Pericardial effusion and its relationship to age, sex, causes and degrees

Introduction: Pericardial effusion is one of the most important and dangerous cardiac manifestations that may lead to death. This study aims to study the characteristics of pericardial effusion in patients attending Damascus Hospital and its relationship to age and gender. Determination of demographic factors associated with pericardial effusion in patients. Methods: A retrospective study was conducted during the years 2013–2023. The inclusion criteria were all patients with pericardial effusion who were admitted to the cardiovascular department of Damascus Hospital. Chi-square analysis was used to compare infarct type and age groups with sociodemographic factors and patients' medical history variables. Results: Out of 100 cases of pericardial effusion in the internal cardiac department in Damascus Hospital, 41% of patients were younger than 40 years, compared to 59% who were older than 40 years. Of these, 57% were males, compared to 43% were females. High arterial tension was a prominent history of pericardial effusion in 51% of patients, 12% suffered from heart failure, 19% from diabetes, 20% from kidney failure, and 11% from myocardial infarction. 20% of patients had a mild effusion, 40% a moderate effusion, 43% a heavy effusion, and 10% a pericardial tamponade. Death occurred in only 10% of patients with pericardial effusion, compared to 90% of patients who recovered. Most patients with pericardial effusion had a significant relationship with demographic factors (age, gender), medical history and death. Conclusion: The results of this study indicate the presence of a combination of risk factors in older adults with pericardial effusion. Programs targeting sociodemographic factors, including smoking, obesity, and comorbidities, are necessary to more effectively address health disparities in pericardial effusion and its negative consequences.