Small pericardial effusion - symptoms?

[auntiejessi]

So trying to make a long story short here -

I have mitral valve prolapse - have for 20ish years. Recently, had to switch meds from atenelol to metropolol due to shortage of the atenelol. I was without atenelol for 9 days, and at my doc's, my resting heart rate was 127 (this is not uncommon for me without meds). To be safe, she ordered an EKG, which showed a possible enlargement of the left atrium. I was referred for an echo.

Echo showed the left atrium was fine, and mild regurgitation (not alarming with MVP), and small pericardial effusion. This was unexpected, and I have been referred to a cardiologist, and my appt is Dec 4, and I'm on a cancellation list.

I know by itself, this is really nothing to be concerned with, but I get episodes (for lack of a better word) of shortness of breath, palpitations, tachy heart rate, and a feeling of chest pressure around my heart that is pretty painful. It happens maybe once a day, or every other day, and lasts about an hour. My heart rate isn't always increased - sometimes it's well within a normal range, but it feels like it's beating quite hard. These episodes can be triggered by anything - sometimes just rolling over in bed or standing up from a sitting position.

I'm not even sure what my question is? What happens next for me? Is this something I need to worry about?

I don't know what else you need to know here - I'm 49, a little overweight but not obese, don't really drink, no caffeine, etc. I have none of the known causes, that I'm aware of.

Thanks in advance!