Cardiac Tamponade(Tamponade; Pericardial Tamponade)
by
Diana Kohnle DefinitionCardiac tamponade occurs when fluid builds up between the heart muscle and the surrounding tissue called the pericardium. This fluid compresses the heart. Because of this, enough blood cannot be pumped in and out of the heart. This condition can be life-threatening. Cardiac tamponade can be treated, but it can return after treatment.
CausesCardiac tamponade can be caused by a variety of factors and conditions, including:
Risk FactorsFactors that may increase your chances of cardiac tamponade:
SymptomsSymptoms vary from mild to severe. They typically include one or more of the following:
DiagnosisYour doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history. A physical exam will be done. If you have a significant change in blood pressure between breaths, this is one way your doctor will diagnose this condition.
TreatmentCardiac tamponade is a serious condition. It can be life-threatening and requires immediate hospitalization and treatment. Treatments are given to:
Treatments that are given for cardiac tamponade include:
PreventionThere are no current guidelines to prevent cardiac tamponade. RESOURCES:American Heart Association http://www.heart.org National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov CANADIAN RESOURCES:Health Canada https://www.canada.ca Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada http://www.heartandstroke.ca References:Cardiac tamponade. Merck Manual Professional Version website. Available at: ...(Click grey area to select URL) Updated January 2017. Accessed November 30, 2017. Explore pericarditis. National Heart Lung and Blood Institute website. Available at: https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/health-topics/topics/peri. Updated September 26, 2012. Accessed November 30, 2017.
Pericardial effusion and tamponade. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at:
http://www.dynamed...
. Updated June 15, 2017. Accessed November 30, 2017.
Last reviewed November 2018 by
EBSCO Medical Review Board
Michael J. Fucci, DO, FACC Last Updated: 12/20/2014 |
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