|
|
Cardiac Tamponade
Alternate Names : Pericardial Tamponade, Tamponade
DefinitionCompression of the heart caused by blood or fluid accumulation in the space between the myocardium (the muscle of the heart) and the pericardium (the outer covering sac of the heart).
Pictures & Images
 See all Pictures & Images
Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors
In this condition, blood or fluid collects within the pericardium. This prevents the ventricles from expanding fully, so they cannot adequately fill or pump blood.
Cardiac tamponade is often associated with pericarditis caused by bacterial or viral infections. Heart surgery, dissecting aortic aneurysm (thoracic), stabbing wound to heart, end stage lung cancer, and acute MI can all lead to cardiac tamponade.
Other potential causes include heart tumors, kidney failure, recent heart attack, recent open heart surgery, recent invasive heart procedures, radiation therapy to the chest, hypothyroidism and systemic lupus erythematosus.
Cardiac tamponade occurs in approximately 2 out of 10,000 people.
Today's Top News Stories | • | Falls Are Top Cause of Injury, Death Among Elderly - Jul 19, 2008, 09:00
Not all homes are the same, but common sense measures can reduce the risk, expert says. | • | Heart Blood Vessels Grown in the Lab - Jul 18, 2008, 19:00
Could offer a future alternative to bypass surgery, researchers say. | • | Clinical Trials Update: July 18, 2008 - Jul 18, 2008, 09:24
- Breast Cancer
- Hot Flashes
- Emphysema
| • | Loud Music in Bars Hastens Drinking - Jul 18, 2008, 16:00
French researchers say blasting tunes makes patrons down more alcohol in less time. | • | Breast-Fed Babies Have Fewer GI Infections - Jul 18, 2008, 17:00
But they're more likely to be iron-deficient, study finds. |
|
Jump to another section
• Definition
• Cardiac Tamponade Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors
• Cardiac Tamponade Symptoms & Signs
• Cardiac Tamponade Prevention
• Cardiac Tamponade Diagnosis & Tests
• Cardiac Tamponade Treatment
• Cardiac Tamponade Prognosis
• Cardiac Tamponade Complications
• Calling Your Health Care Provider
• Pictures & Images
Topics that might be of interest to you Diseases & Conditions
• Acute Kidney Failure
• Aortic Dissection
• Heart Attack
• Heart Failure
• Hypothyroidism
• Pericarditis
• Pulmonary Edema
• Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Tests & Exams
• Blood Pressure
• Chest MRI
• Chest X-Ray
• Coronary Angiography
• ECG
• Echocardiogram
• Pericardiocentesis
• Thoracic CT
Other Topics
• Abdomen - Swollen
• Agitation
• Blood Pressure - Low
• Breathing Difficulty
• Chest Pain
• Cough
• Dizziness
• Drowsiness
• Fainting
• Invasive
• Paleness
• Peripheral
• Radiation Therapy
• Rapid Deep Breathing (Hyperventilation)
• Stress and Anxiety
Review Date : 10/30/2002
Reviewed By : William G. Wang, M.D., Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, California Pacific Medical Center, San Francisco, CA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
|
|
