Pericardial sac is a fibrous sac that surround the heart for mechanical protection and provide lubrication to reduce friction between the heart and the surrounding structures. Abnormal buildup of fluid within the sac (Pericardial effusion) will restrict the ability for the heart to pump blood. When the pressure within the pericardial sac exceed the pressure within the heart, it will decrease the amount of blood returning to the heart hence decrease the amount of blood being pumped out (Cardiac tamponade). In these cases, removal of the pericardial fluid (pericardiocentesis) is required.
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Pericardial fluid usually looks like blood. However, unlike blood from the heart/vessels, pericardial fluid usually doesn’t clot.
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It is important to further investigate for the cause/s of pericardial effusion. The most common causes are cardiac neoplasia and idiopathic pericardial effusion