Table of content(s)
- Introduction
- What are the causes of cardiac tamponade?
- What are the symptoms of cardiac tamponade?
- How to diagnose cardiac tamponade?
- What are the exams and tests?
- Which treatment is beneficial for cardiac tamponade?
- Are there any complications involved?
- Is cardiac tamponade a common phenomenon?
- What are the treatments involved?
- How can we prevent this condition?
- Conclusion
So what is cardiac tamponade? Cardiac tamponade is a medical condition when fluid collects around the heart muscle. This is due to cardiac conditions such as trauma. It puts strain on the heart and stops it from working efficiently. The fluid, or blood, builds up between the sac and the heart. It surrounds the heart. This sac is known as the pericardium.
The pericardium consists of two thin layers of tissue. This area comprises a small amount of fluid and prevents friction between the layers. This high level of fluid is harmful and puts pressure on the heart. This makes it difficult for the blood to pump effectively. If the level of fluid accumulates, the condition can get worse. Learn the causes and symptoms of cardiac tamponade.
What are the cardiac tamponade causes?
Fluid accumulation is quick, and the causes include the following:
- Severe chest injury
- Aortic dissection
- Tuberculosis (TB)
- Inflammation of the pericardium
- Bacterial infection
- Kidney failure
- Lupus
- Bursting of an aortic aneurysm
- Cancer
- Wounds to the heart
- Heart attack
Cardiac tamponade is common and occurs in 2 out of 10,000 people.
What are the signs of cardiac tamponade?
The signs of tamponade involve:
- Restlessness, anxiety
- Sharp chest pain felt in the back, shoulder, neck, and abdomen
- Problems breathing
- Palpitations
- Fainting, lightheadedness
- Discomfort experienced while sitting upright or leaning forward
- Jaundice
How to diagnose cardiac tamponade?
Cardiac tamponade has three distinct signs that your doctor can recognize. The signs include the following:
- Low blood pressure and weak pulse: This is due to a reduced volume of blood in your heart.
- Extended neck veins: This occurs because they are having a hard time returning blood to your heart.
- Rapid heartbeat with muffled heart sound: This takes place due to the layer of fluid inside the pericardium.
Your doctor conducts further tests to confirm a cardiac tamponade diagnosis. One such test is an echocardiogram. It successfully detects whether the pericardium is expanded and if the ventricles have collapsed as a result of low blood volume. Your chest X-rays show an enlarged heart if you have a cardiac tamponade. Other diagnostic tests include the following:
- Magnetic resonance angiogram
- An electrocardiogram that evaluates your heartbeat
- A magnetic resonance angiogram that assesses how blood flows through the heart
- A CT scan to find out the fluid accumulation in your chest
Read more: CPR vs. BLS Training: What’s the Difference?
What are the exams and tests?
An echocardiogram is the most popular method of diagnosis. A physical exam shows the following:
- Blood pressure falls when breathing deeply.
- Rapid breathing
- Heart rate over 100
- Heart sounds are heard faintly through a stethoscope.
- Bulged neck veins
- Peripheral pulses, which are weak or absent
Which cardiac tamponade treatment is beneficial?
Cardiac tamponade may include the use of a needle. You can consider surgery if:
- The cardiac tamponade is caused by an injury.
- You have damage that needs to be repaired.
- If a needle cannot reach the accumulated fluid
- If a provider needs to remove your pericardium
Are there any complications involved?
Cardiac tamponade may cause the following:
- Cardiogenic shock
- Death
- Heart failure
Cardiac tamponade can limit the amount of blood your heart can pump. As a result, it deprives your body of oxygen and blood. It can cause your heart to stop, leading to cardiac arrest.
Is cardiac tamponade a common phenomenon?
Cardiac tamponade is not common; however, it can affect anyone. According to a 2018 study, five cases of cardiac tamponade were found for every 10,000 hospital submissions. Individuals suffering from the following conditions are likely to experience cardiac tamponade:
- HIV
- TB
- Malignant tumors
- Injuries caused to the chest
- Lupus
- History of heart failure
What are the treatments involved?
As cardiac tamponade results in death or shock, it needs emergency medical treatment. The treatment helps drain excess fluid from around the heart.
A doctor may use these methods to get rid of the fluid. This helps reduce the pressure on the heart.
- Pericardiocentesis: This helps remove fluid from the pericardium with the help of a needle.
- Pericardiectomy: A surgeon removes part of the pericardium and relieves pressure successfully on the heart.
- Thoracotomy: This surgical procedure drains blood or blood clots from around the heart.
According to some research, healthcare professionals choose minimally invasive procedures such as pericardiocentesis. This is less risky and has lower mortality rates.
Read more: ACLS And Adenosine
How can we prevent this condition?
It is not possible to prevent cardiac tamponade. However, people can reduce the risk by:
- Reducing their exposure to viral infections
- Receiving treatment for medical conditions
- Eating a balanced diet
- Exercising regularly
- Attending medical checkups regularly
- Avoiding smoking
Conclusion
Cardiac tamponade is a severe medical condition that, although uncommon, can result in shock or death. Anyone having cardiac tamponade signs must seek emergency treatment. Drain the excess fluid from the pericardium, stabilize blood pressure, and treat the underlying cause. Individuals must receive a diagnosis and receive timely treatment. Although it is not possible to prevent all cases, you must be aware of the risks and discuss methods to prevent them.
