The symptoms of fluid buildup around the heart are caused by inflammation of the membrane which covers the heart. These symptoms are often misdiagnosed or mistaken for other ailments. The effects of fluid build up can lead to prolonged pain, trouble breathing and sudden heart attack. Knowing the symptoms of pericarditis can help you discuss this health issue with your doctor. Tracking and recording the symptoms of fluid buildup around the heart can help your doctor eliminate other possible indicators.

Pericarditis is defined as the inflammation of the pericardium also known as the membrane which forms the outer covering of the heart. This condition can cause thickening and roughening of the membrane along with an accumulation of fluid buildup around the heart.

The effects of fluid buildup around the heart can cause pain in the center of your chest, radiating to the neck or shoulder. Although the pain may be similar to angina or a heart attack, pericarditis pain has a "sticking" nature and becomes worse when combined with the following: • Deep breathing • Coughing • Twisting of the upper body In the early stages of this buildup it will be hard to tell pericarditis from an angina attack.

The significance of the symptoms associated with the buildup of fluid around the heart is that they can mimic symptoms of a heart attack or other problems. Another significant effect is general weakness, fever and chills when pericarditis is caused by an infection.

There are several types of symptoms which are signs of fluid buildup around the heart. • Chest pain -- either a dull or sharp constant pain develops • Mild fever • A general weakness or lightheadedness • Shortness of breath • Coughing • Muscle aches • Hiccups Other types of symptoms can evolve which mimic heart failure such as: • Buildup of fluid in the legs and abdomen • Swelling of the abdomen • Swelling of the liver

If you feel any of the symptoms of pericarditis you might try to relieve the pain by either laying down, swallowing or deep breathing. This will inflame the symptoms. A possible aid to the symptoms would be sitting or leaning forward.

A large misconception about pericarditis is the idea that it can be easily diagnosed. If a doctor is checking for a possible diagnosis, or misdiagnosis, they normally must consider alternative conditions which are relevant to the symptoms. Some of the possible health problems which can be misdiagnosed as pericarditis are: • Myocardial Infarction -- also commonly known as a heart attack • Pneumothorax -- which is air buildup in the spaces around the lungs • Pneumonia -- which is a severe lung infection • Pleurisy -- an infection of the pleural membrane • Cholecystitis -- an infection of the gallbladder

Complications brought on by fluid buildup around the heart can place a person at risk for sudden heart failure. Symptoms of this include the following: • Sudden severe shortness of breath • Sudden irregular heartbeat • Coughing which produces a foamy pink mucus If this situation occurs you must immediately call for emergency help as death can occur.