10 Pericarditis Symptoms
9. Lightheadedness and Dizziness
Lightheadedness refers to an unpleasant sensation where one feels they are about to faint. Dizziness can result in an impairment in stability. One of the complications of pericarditis is cardiac tamponade that can result in low blood pressure (hypotension). This leads to lightheadedness and dizziness. Cardiac tamponade among pericarditis patients is generally seen in infants, but can also be seen among older children.
The fluid accumulation in the pericardium can restrict the pumping of the heart. This causes the heart to become inefficient and unable to pump out as much blood (reduces cardiac output) resulting in low blood pressure. To compensate, the heart pumps faster (tachycardia) to try to supply adequate oxygen to the rest of the body.
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