Cardiac tamponade overview

Overview

Cardiac tamponade, also known as pericardial tamponade, is a medical emergency condition in which fluid accumulates in the pericardium (the sac in which theheart is enclosed). The elevated pericardial pressure puts significant pressure on the heart, causing a decrease in diastolic filling of the ventricles, and hence in stroke volume. The end result is ineffective pumping of blood, shock and potentially death.