The decreased blood flow through the body can lead to organ failure,shock, and even death.
Immediate medical care is necessary for those who are experiencing the symptoms of cardiac tamponade.
This article will discuss everything readers need to know about the condition.
SDI Productions / Getty Images
SDI Productions / Getty Images
What Happens During Cardiac Tamponade?
Cardiac tamponade is a medical emergency when too much fluid builds up in the pericardial space.
The pericardial space is the area between the heart muscle and the thin sac surrounding the heart called thepericardium.
A small amount of fluid normally exists between the pericardial sac and heart muscle to provide lubrication.
However, when too much fluid builds up, it can be dangerous.
Cardiac tamponade takes place if the amount of fluid becomes too large and puts pressure on the heart.
Decreased blood flow to the body (decreased cardiac output) can cause shock.
Shock is when organs and tissues do not receive enough blood and begin to shut down.
What Causes Fluid Around the Heart?
Sometimes, the excess fluid is a clear, serous fluid.
This dangerous fluid buildup is called apericardial effusion.
Other times, blood collecting around the heart causes pressure.
Several conditions or situations can cause this to happen.
This is a group of three clinical findings that are often found in people with cardiac tamponade.
Beck’s triad findings are:
Another clinical finding that is seen with cardiac tamponade ispulsus paradoxus.
How Is Cardiac Tamponade Diagnosed?
The mainstay treatment for cardiac tamponade ispericardiocentesis.
This procedure drains the fluid from around the heart.
It is done by a healthcare provider who useslive X-raysor ultrasounds to guide a needle inserted into the chest.
The needle is then moved into the tissue around the heart.
A plastic catheter is guided over the needle, and the needle is removed.
Fluid drains out of the catheter.
The catheter can remain in as a drain or can be removed right away.
Another treatment option is a pericardial window.
Whats the Long-Term Outlook?
It’s important to keep follow-up appointments as pericardial effusions can recur.
Whos at Risk for Cardiac Tamponade?
Those who are at risk for cardiac tamponade are people who are more likely to have pericardial effusion.
This includes those who have chest orheart surgery, cancer, or kidney disease or who receiveradiation therapy.
seek immediate medical care.
Cardiac tamponade is a medical emergency.
The only successful treatment is a hospital procedure to remove the fluid around the heart.
Summary
Cardiac tamponade is a serious medical condition resulting from the accumulation of fluid around the heart.
The fluid presses against the heart, preventing it from filling with blood.
A prompt diagnosis and treatment can lead to positive outcomes.
However, if left untreated, it can cause shock and death.
Jensen JK, Poulsen SH, Mlgaard, H.Cardiac tamponade: a clinical challenge.E-Journal of Cardiology Practice.
Hamzaoui O, Monnet X, Teboul JL.Pulsus paradoxus.European Respiratory Journal.
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Johns Hopkins Medicine.Pericardiocentesis.
