Sleeping dropsy, also referred to as "Cardiac Tamponade," is a medical condition characterized by an accumulation of fluid within the pericardial sac surrounding the heart, leading to compression and hindered functioning of the heart muscle. This condition manifests itself during sleep, hence the term "sleeping dropsy." Dropsy is an archaic term used to describe edema, the abnormal accumulation of fluid in various body tissues.
Sleeping dropsy occurs when excess fluid accumulates in the pericardial sac, causing pressure on the heart, impairing its ability to pump blood efficiently. This can result in symptoms such as shortness of breath, chest pain, fatigue, and a rapid or irregular heartbeat. If left untreated, it can lead to life-threatening consequences such as cardiac arrest or heart failure.
The most common causes of sleeping dropsy include infections, such as pericarditis, heart attack, or trauma, as well as conditions like kidney failure, cancer, or autoimmune diseases. The diagnosis is typically made using imaging tests like echocardiography or cardiac MRI, which provide detailed images of the heart and its surrounding structures.
Treatment options for sleeping dropsy may include medication to reduce fluid accumulation, procedures like pericardiocentesis, or surgery to remove the excess fluid and repair any underlying issues. Prompt medical intervention is crucial to relieve the compression on the heart and restore its normal functioning, thereby increasing the chances of a successful outcome.
