Pericardial Disease Treatment in India

Pooja Shah, a 42-year-old software project...

Pooja Shah, a 42-year-old software project manager and mother of two, had been experiencing a persistent, dull ache in her chest for months, which she initially attributed to stress and poor posture from long hours at her desk. The discomfort gradually worsened, accompanied by profound fatigue and shortness of breath even while walking her children to school. After a particularly scary episode where she felt like she couldn't catch her breath, she visited her GP. Tests revealed a pericardial effusion, fluid around her heart, likely related to a viral infection she'd had. Her cardiologist, Dr. Mehta, recommended a pericardiocentesis to drain the fluid, explaining it was necessary to prevent cardiac tamponade, a life-threatening complication. The procedure, done under local anesthesia with ultrasound guidance, was uncomfortable and anxiety-inducing for Pooja, who was awake and could feel pressure, but the relief was almost immediate. Post-procedure, she spent a night in the hospital for observation. Within a week, her breathing was normal and her energy began to return. Emotionally, she went from a state of denial and minimizing her symptoms to intense fear upon diagnosis, feeling vulnerable as the family's primary breadwinner. After the successful procedure, she felt a profound sense of relief and a new commitment to prioritizing her health, though she remains cautiously vigilant for any returning signs.