What causes pericardial effusion?
Your caregiver will ask about your medical history and the medicines you are taking. He will do a physical exam on you. You may also have any of the following tests: • 12-lead ECG: This test, also called an EKG, helps caregivers look for damage or problems in the heart. Sticky pads are placed on your chest, arms, and legs. Each sticky pad has a wire that is hooked to a machine or TV-type screen. A short period of electrical activity in your heart muscle is recorded. Caregivers will look closely for certain problems or changes in how your heart is working. • Blood tests: You may need blood taken for tests. The blood can be taken from a blood vessel in your hand, arm, or the bend in your elbow. It is tested to see how your body is doing. It can give your caregivers more information about your health condition. You may need to have blood drawn more than once. • Radiology exams: • Chest x-ray: This is a picture of your lungs and heart. Chest x-rays may show tumors or fluid around the heart
