Pericardial effusion may not cause any noticeable signs and symptoms, particularly if the fluid has increased slowly. If pericardial effusion signs and symptoms do occur, they might include:  Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing (dyspnea) Discomfort when breathing while lying down Chest pain, usually behind the breastbone or on the left side of the chest Chest fullness Lightheadedness or feeling faint Swelling in the abdomen or legs 
pericardial effusion may cause noticeable signs symptoms  fluid increased slowly  pericardial effusion signs symptoms occur  include:  shortness breath difficulty breathing (dyspnea) discomfort breathing lying down chest pain  breastbone left side chest chest fullness lightheadedness feeling faint swelling abdomen legs 
pericardial effusion