Safe, Image-Guided Pericardiocentesis in Katy to Relieve Heart Pressure
If you’re experiencing shortness of breath, chest discomfort, or signs of cardiac tamponade, pericardiocentesis in Katy at Advanced Cardiology offers timely relief by safely removing excess fluid around the heart.
Understanding Pericardiocentesis and Why It’s Needed
Pericardiocentesis is a specialized procedure used to remove excess fluid from the pericardial sac—the thin sac surrounding your heart. When too much fluid builds up, it can compress the heart and reduce its ability to pump effectively, a condition called cardiac tamponade.
This procedure is typically recommended if you’re experiencing symptoms like chest pressure, difficulty breathing, low blood pressure, or unexplained fatigue. It can be both diagnostic (to analyze fluid for infection or cancer) and therapeutic (to relieve pressure on the heart).
At Advanced Cardiology in Katy, TX, we perform image-guided pericardiocentesis with precision and care. Led by board-certified cardiologist Dr. Adnan Khalid, our team ensures your safety and comfort every step of the way, serving patients from Katy, Sugar Land, Richmond, and the Greater Houston area.
Meet the Cardiologist
Adnan Khalid, MD, Cardilogist
Education
Dr. Adnan Khalid, MD
Adnan Khalid, MD, specializes in treating coronary artery disease, peripheral artery disease, heart failure, hypertension, arrhythmias, and hyperlipidemia. He has over 10 years of experience in the field of cardiovascular medicine.
Dr. Khalid graduated from his medical school among the top 10 out of 250 medical students in his class. He is fellowship trained in cardiovascular diseases, interventional cardiology, advanced heart failure, and transplant cardiology. He is focused on providing personalized and compassionate care. Dr. Khalid believes in spending time with his patients and listening to their needs and is committed to offering excellent care.
Dr. Khalid is an avid reader. He is eager to learn new things; He likes to work out and spend time with his family. When off from work, he likes to travel and spend time in nature along with family and friends. He is married with three children. Dr. Adnan Khalid is now seeing patients at our Katy and Sugar Land clinics—accepting new patients from Houston and surrounding areas.
Board Certifications
American Board of Internal Medicine
Interventional Cardiology
Why Pericardiocentesis Is Performed
Pericardiocentesis is a critical, often life-saving procedure used to treat pericardial effusion—when excess fluid builds up around the heart. Left untreated, this condition can lead to cardiac tamponade, a dangerous compression of the heart that limits its ability to pump blood effectively.
Common Reasons for Pericardiocentesis Include:
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Infections – Bacterial or viral infections that cause inflammation and fluid buildup.
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Autoimmune Conditions – Lupus or rheumatoid arthritis can lead to fluid accumulation around the heart.
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Cancer-Related Effusions – Certain cancers may cause or spread to the pericardium, leading to excess fluid.
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Post-Heart Surgery or Heart Attack – Trauma or inflammation from surgical procedures or heart injury.
At Advanced Cardiology in Katy, we provide urgent and scheduled pericardiocentesis with precision and care. Dr. Adnan Khalid uses advanced imaging guidance to safely drain fluid and monitor your recovery closely, restoring heart function and preventing complications.
What Pericardiocentesis Results May Reveal
Pericardial Effusion (Fluid Buildup):
This is the most common finding. The procedure confirms the presence of excess fluid in the pericardial sac, which may cause heart compression (cardiac tamponade) if not treated promptly.
Infection or Inflammation (Pericarditis):
Fluid analysis may show signs of bacterial, viral, or autoimmune causes of inflammation. This helps guide antibiotic or anti-inflammatory treatment.
Cancer or Malignancy:
In some cases, the drained fluid may contain cancerous cells, indicating metastatic disease or primary pericardial cancer—prompting further oncologic care.
Kidney or Autoimmune Disorders:
Pericardial fluid may reflect complications from conditions like lupus or kidney failure, aiding in the diagnosis of systemic illness.
At Advanced Cardiology in Katy, our experienced team ensures every fluid sample is thoroughly analyzed to determine the best course of action—protecting both your heart and overall health.
What Pericardiocentesis Can Reveal About Your Heart
Pericardiocentesis is more than just fluid removal—it can offer essential diagnostic insights that help your cardiologist treat underlying heart conditions effectively.
- Pericardial Effusion:
Fluid buildup in the pericardial sac may be due to infection, inflammation, injury, or systemic illness. Analysis of this fluid helps determine the exact cause. - Infection or Inflammation:
Bacterial, viral, or autoimmune-related infections (like lupus or tuberculosis) may be revealed by lab testing of the pericardial fluid. - Cancer or Malignancy:
Fluid may contain cancer cells, helping diagnose or monitor cancers that spread to the heart lining, such as lung or breast cancer. - Trauma or Post-Surgery Complications:
Pericardiocentesis helps relieve pressure and prevent cardiac tamponade after chest trauma or cardiac surgery.
By analyzing the fluid, our cardiology team at Advanced Cardiology in Katy can make life-saving decisions quickly and accurately.
Insurance and Pericardiocentesis Coverage
At Advanced Cardiology in Katy, we accept most major insurance plans. Pericardiocentesis procedures are generally covered when medically necessary. Contact our clinic or your insurance provider to confirm your coverage and benefits.
When Is Pericardiocentesis Needed?
Pericardiocentesis is often recommended when excess fluid around the heart causes pressure, leading to a serious condition called cardiac tamponade. At Advanced Cardiology in Katy, we provide timely, expert care to relieve symptoms and protect your heart.
It may be needed if you experience:
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Chest pain or pressure
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Shortness of breath
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Fainting or low blood pressure
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Imaging shows fluid buildup
New Patient Paperwork At Advanced Cardiology
Please print out your paperwork and bring it to your appointment at Advanced Cardiology. If your insurance requires authorization, please be sure to have that information sent to our office or bring it with you to your appointment, along with any medical records you may have. Please also make sure to bring your insurance cards, photo ID, and medication list.
Thank you, and we look forward to meeting you! Contact us today with any questions.
Call to Schedule Your Appointment!
(713) 258-6111
Houston Cardiologist
We diagnose and treat heart disease, such as congenital heart defects, coronary artery disease, heart rhythm disorders and heart failure.
About our Cardiologist: Comments from our Patients
# Cooperative & professional staff. Dr. Khalid is highly competent & experienced. Very kind & friendly too.
# He’s A Very Caring & Concerned Doctor. He Asks Important Questions, He Allows Me To Ask Questions & Fully Answers To My Satisfaction. He Diagnosis & Does Whatever It Takes To Fix My Health Issues. He’s A Wonderful Doctor…& Most Of All, I Trust Him & His Staff.
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