Cardiac tamponade

Description

Pressure on the heart caused by fluid collecting in the sac that surrounds the heart.

Overview

Cardiac tamponade puts pressure on the heart and keeps it from filling with blood properly. Less blood leaves the heart as a result. This can cause a life-threatening drop in blood pressure.

Symptoms

Cardiac tamponade symptoms can include rapid breathing, shortness of breath, a fast heartbeat, extreme tiredness, lightheadedness, fainting and chest pain. The exact symptoms mainly depend on how fast the condition comes on.

Treatments

Cardiac tamponade requires emergency treatment. Usually, healthcare professionals use a needle or a small tube to drain extra fluid from the sac that surrounds the heart.