Cardiac Tamponade
Here are some important facts about Cardiac Tamponade!:
Cardiac Tamponade
Definition: Compression of the heart by a pericardial effusion (accumulation of blood, fluid, pus, or gas in the pericardial sac) leading to hemodynamic compromise.
Classic findings in patients with cardiac tamponade include:
- Beck's Triad
- Pulsus Paradoxus
- Low voltage QRS complexes
- Electrical alternans
Diagnosis: Echocardiogram
Initial management: Pericardiocentesis or pericardial window
Pathophysiology of Beck's Triad
Elevated intrapericardial pressure compresses the heart leading to:
- Decreased filling of the heart during diastole => decreased stroke volume (low blood pressure)
- Increased intracardiac pressure in the RA and RV => Impaired venous return to the heart (JVD)
- Fluid surrounding the heart => Muffled or distant heart sounds
Comments
Deborah
I like your Beck's triad picture. Can I use it on a presentation? Of course that I will give credit in the reference section.
Thank you very much!
All the best!