Cardiac Tamponade

Cardiac tamponade, also known as pericardial tamponade, is when a buildup of fluid in the

pericardium

 results in compression or tightening of the heart, leading to negative effects on blood flow dynamics. Onset may be rapid or gradual.
Tamponade is a medical emergency. The fluid in your heart can only be drained by a medical doctor.
Symptoms

Swollen neck vein

common

Difficulty breathing

  • Occurs or worsens with exertion

common

Low blood pressure

common

Rapid heart rate

common

Abnormally rapid breathing

common

Dizziness

or Fainting

common

Confusion

common

Fatigue

common

Chest discomfort

  • Sudden, intense spike of pain

  • Pain radiates to shoulder, arm, neck, jaw, Radiates to the back

  • Occurs or worsens with deep inspiration

  • Center of the chest, Left side

common

Bluish discoloration of the skin

or Unusual lightness of skin color

Irregular heartbeat

Enlarged feet or ankle

  • In both feet or ankles

or Swelling in lower leg

  • In both lower legs

Decreased urine

Yellow eyes or skin

Risk factors

Tear in aorta

Recent upper respiratory tract infection

or Pericarditis

Tuberculosis

Recent chest injury or trauma

Kidney failure or on dialysis

Breast cancer

or Kidney cancer

or Lung cancer

History of heart attack

History of cardiac surgery

Treatment
The doctor will drain the fluid from the pericardial sac, typically with a needle. This procedure is called pericardiocentesis or may perform a more invasive procedure called a thoracotomy to drain blood or remove blood clots if there is a penetrating wound. The patient may also receive oxygen, fluids, and medications to increase blood pressure.
Recommended specialist

If you have Cardiac Tamponade, then visit a cardiologist as soon as possible.

Contact a

Cardiologist

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