Menu Healthy Lifestyle Diseases & Conditions First Aid Symptoms Tests & Procedures Videos Definitions FAQs Pericardial effusionUpdated: 2017-06-13OverviewWith pericardial effusion, too much fluid builds up in the saclike structure around the heart (pericardium). It puts pressure on the heart. If untreated, it can cause heart failure or death. Causes include infection, a reaction to heart surgery, and diseases such as lupus.TreatmentsTreatments include medications, or medical or surgical procedures. © 1998-2022 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research(MFMER). All rights reserved. Terms of Use