Cardiac tamponade is a condition where there is fluid build up in the patient's pericardium. What is the pericardium? It is a sac that contains the person's heart. This condition is a medical emergency. Sometimes it is known as pericardial tamponade, and it is referred to on this page at times simply as CT.

Symptoms

The main symptoms of CT are actually three medical signs known as Beck's triad. The first one is low arterial blood pressure. The second is jugular venous distention. The third of these signs is that heart sounds are muffled. Other medical signs and symptoms can be present, including those related to shock. Examples are a rapid heart rate and shortness of breath.

Causes

Cardiac tamponade is brought on by build up of fluid in the pericardium. This can be known as pericardial effusion. CT occurs when this is not controlled or happens on a significant scale. Although trauma to the patient's chest can lead to CT, it can also be brought on by other things such as cancer, pericarditis, heart rupture, and others.

Diagnosis

There are many differential diagnosis possibilities, and obtaining a diagnosis of cardiac tamponade may not be easy. The previously-mentioned Beck's triad may be used, as can other medical signs. In cases where there is enough time, radiography may be used to try to detect whether cardiac tamponade is occurring. Please keep in mind that diagnosis is made by someone who is a professional in the medical field.

Treatment

The condition must be diagnosed and treated quickly, as it is a medical emergency. Different methods may be administered prior to arriving to the hospital, and once reaching there. A procedure known as pericardiocentesis is commonly used, in which fluid is aspirated from the individual's pericardium. An ultrasound is frequently used to assist with the performance of this procedure. Other treatments may also be used. Please remember that this information is not professional in nature and is not meant to be used to select a treatment method, or to overrule what a professional has said.