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Evidence-Based Natural Remedies for Managing Pericardial Effusion

on Apr 09, 2023| Modified on Jan 29, 2025
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Pericardial effusion is characterized by the accumulation of excess fluid in the pericardial sac, the outer lining surrounding the heart. This build-up can lead to complications such as constrictive pericarditis, cardiac tamponade, and even heart failure.

Conventional treatments typically involve medications, drainage procedures, and surgery. However, some individuals may seek alternative remedies or supplementary options to support their overall heart health. This article explores some well-researched supplements and natural remedies for pericardial effusion.

Dietary and Lifestyle Modifications

Low-Sodium Diet

A low-sodium diet can help prevent fluid retention and reduce pressure on the heart. Limiting salt intake can aid in controlling pericardial effusion symptoms and prevent the condition from worsening.

Regular Exercise

Regular physical activity is essential for maintaining overall cardiovascular health. It can help lower blood pressure, improve circulation, and strengthen the heart muscle. However, it's crucial to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any exercise regimen, especially if you have pericardial effusion.

Researched Supplements for Pericardial Effusion

Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10)

Coenzyme Q10 is an antioxidant that is vital to energy production and overall heart health. Studies suggest that CoQ10 supplementation can improve cardiac function and reduce inflammation in individuals with heart conditions, including pericardial effusion. 1

Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Omega-3 fatty acids, found in fish oil, have been shown to reduce inflammation and improve heart health. Research indicates that omega-3 supplementation may help in managing pericardial effusion by reducing inflammation and preventing the recurrence of the condition after treatment. 2

Magnesium

Magnesium plays a crucial role in maintaining normal heart rhythm and function. Some studies suggest that magnesium supplementation may help reduce the risk of complications in individuals with heart conditions, including pericardial effusion. 3

Herbal Remedies for Pericardial Effusion

Hawthorn

Hawthorn is a plant that has long been used in traditional medicine for its heart-supporting properties. Some research suggests that hawthorn extract may help improve heart function and reduce symptoms in people with heart failure and other cardiovascular conditions. 4 However, more research is needed to determine its efficacy in treating pericardial effusion.

Turmeric

Turmeric contains an active compound called curcumin, known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Some research indicates that curcumin may help reduce inflammation and oxidative stress in heart conditions, potentially offering some relief in pericardial effusion. 5 However, further research is required to establish its effectiveness in this context.

Conclusion

While promising evidence supports the use of certain supplements and natural remedies for pericardial effusion, it's essential to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new supplement regimen. These remedies should be considered complementary to conventional treatments and not as a replacement for medical advice and care.

Citations

  1. Alehagen, U., Johansson, P., Björnstedt, M., Rosén, A., & Dahlström, U. (2015). Cardiovascular mortality and N-terminal-proBNP reduced after combined selenium and coenzyme Q10 supplementation: a 5-year prospective randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial among elderly Swedish citizens. International Journal of Cardiology, 176(1), 226-232.
  2. Mozaffarian D, Lemaitre RN, King IB, Song X, Huang H, Sacks FM, Rimm EB, Wang M, Siscovick DS. Plasma phospholipid long-chain ω-3 fatty acids and total and cause-specific mortality in older adults: a cohort study. Ann Intern Med. 2013 Apr 2;158(7):515-25.
  3. Shechter M, Merz CN, Paul-Labrador M, Meisel SR, Rude RK, Molloy MD, Dwyer JH, Shah PK, Kaul S. Oral magnesium supplementation inhibits platelet-dependent thrombosis in patients with coronary artery disease. Am J Cardiol. 1999 Jul 15;84(2):152-6. 
  4. Pittler MH, Guo R, Ernst E. Hawthorn extract for treating chronic heart failure. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2008 Jan 23;(1):CD005312. 
  5. Wongcharoen W, Phrommintikul A. The protective role of curcumin in cardiovascular diseases. Int J Cardiol. 2009 Apr 3;133(2):145-51. doi: 10.1016/j.ijcard.2009.01.073. Epub 2009 Feb 23. PMID: 19233493.
The comments below reflect the personal experiences and opinions of readers and do not represent medical advice or the views of this website. The information shared has not been evaluated by the FDA and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or prevent any disease or health condition. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for medical concerns.
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Fluid Around Heart Remedies

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Posted by Wayne (Tyngsborough, Ma ) on 04/08/2023

My Down Syndrome boy:

I have a boy, age 20, who has fluid around his heart. It has been drained once but came back. Any remedies?

He also has terrible skin cyst and pimples all in hot spots under his arms and butt and between legs.

Replied by HisJewel
(New York)
08/13/2023
★★★★★

Hello, Wayne of Tyngsborough, Ma;

You may find this interesting.

Dr. Axe has an article on fluid around the heart {PERICRDITIS) and the problems that come along with it. It also has some suggestions.

https://draxe.com/health/pericarditis/

EXCERPT :
"3. Fight Viruses and Infections

You can use the following natural remedies to protect yourself from viruses, bacterial infections and fungal infections — which can make pericarditis worse and even be an underlying cause:

Use oregano oil either topically or internally, which acts as a natural antibacterial agent without causing harmful side effects. Oregano oil also has the power to help treat viral conditions, reduce inflammation and relieve respiratory symptoms that are caused by allergies.

Antiviral herbs can help build your body's defenses against infections and contributing health problems. These include: wormwood, black walnut, oregano essential oil/capsules, garlic, bentonite clay, activated charcoal, and grapefruit seed extracts. Herbs may help treat infections and attack viral pathogens, plus they offer cardiovascular, digestive and anti-inflammatory support during periods of illness.

Adaptogenic herbs like rhodiola (Rhodiola rosea) and astragalus (Astragalus membranaceus) can be very helpful when it comes to supporting immune health and helping you deal with physical and mental stress or fatigue."

Replied by Marina
(Miami)
08/14/2023

pericarditis is an inflammation of the pericardium. Pericardium effusion is a fluids accumulation in the pericardium. The cause could be from autoimmune to malignant and everything in between. It was incidentally found during abdominal ultrasound for flank pain that I have small pericardium effusion. Depending on the cause and progression it could be life threatening and must be monitored carefully. Fluids are normally tested, but I refused the procedure.

Replied by Donna
(Ottawa, Ontario Canada)
11/03/2023

Hi Marina, When mine hit, I felt a lot of pressure around my heart, and it was quite scary with arm, shoulder and neck pain included. I kept breathing in my H2O2 through my compressor nebulizer, and it seemed to diminish somewhat but moved to my left flank, with the feeling of gurgling, as it drained down the left flank, only hurting my left kidney and what feels like my pancreas when I took a deep breath or coughed.. I was in Thailand at that time and had an MRI but it did show that I had pleural effusion, and mild pericardial effusion.. I have had about 4 attacks of the Pleural effusion and it is also very painful and makes breathing very difficult. But I bought a compressor nebulizer and prepared a mixture of food grade H2O2 3% down to 1.5% for my nebulizer.. and it took away most of the pain and so I was able to breathe once again.. I am back in Canada, I need help. My family wants me to go to the emergency to be seen by a doctor, and I may still go, but my experience with doctors has not been good, and now I am older and afraid they might bully me into a biopsy when the underlying condition could be cancer.. however, I also have lupus, sojgrens and other autoimmune diseases, that may be attacking these organs. I am scared.

If anyone has a remedy to get rid of the Pericardial effusion and the Pleural effusion, please let me know. I am also taking 3 tsp of ACV and a quarter tsp of baking soda a few times a day, which does seem to help and make me feel somewhat better. I am thinking of flying to Mexico to a wholistic clinic that has experience putting even stage 4 cancers into remission, but do not know a good clinic, if someone can help me that would be great.. thank you so much for this amazing site that has pulled me through many an illness in the wee hours of the morning.. including killing Covid in its tracks after suffering for over 3 weeks a few years ago.

Aa
(Dallas)
01/29/2025

Sorry for the late response. As far as I know ER can only offer antibiotics and steroids and draining fluids if the accumulation is significant. I cant have neither. Steroids have nearly killed me the first time I tried. Antibiotics are out of question as well. That leaves acupuncture and homeopathy. I recommend you start with homeopathy. Most practitioners now work via zoom. First consult is usually free. Here is some information, but please work with a practitioner.

  1. Latrodectus: This homeopathic remedy used for heart disease with symptoms of precordial pain in the body.
  2. Aurum metallicum: Aurum metallicum is used in treating symptoms of weakness in the muscles of the heart.
  3. Aconitum: This Homeopathic Remedy is used when a person is having a heart attack.
  4. Spigelia: Spigelia is used in the treatment of irregular heartbeats which may cause sharp pain in the chest.
  5. Cactus grandiflorus: This Homeopathic Remedy is used in treating angina pectoris, which is characterized by symptoms of pain caused by decreased blood flow to the heart.
  6. Crataegus oxyacantha: This homeopathic treatment is used in treating coronary insufficiency in people. This disorder cause problem in a heartbeat.
  7. Digitalis: This homeopathic treatment is used in treating cardiac muscle failure. This disorder causes palpitation, tightness in the heart muscles, and a suffocating sensation.
  8. Kalmia latifolia: This Homeopathic medicine is effective in treating cardiac hypertrophy, which causes the heart muscle to thicken, resulting in size reduction of the ventricles. This treatment is very effective in treating cardiac hypertrophy that results after rheumatism.
  9. Glonoinum: This homeopathic treatment is prescribed to treat symptoms of plaque buildup in the artery, which causes hypertension


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