Health's Book

Definition

Cardiac tamponade is the compression of the heart that occurs when blood or fluid builds up in the space between the myocardium (the muscle of the heart) and the pericardium (the outer covering sac of the heart).

Symptoms

* Anxiety, restlessness
* Chest pain
o Radiating to the neck, shoulder, back, or abdomen
o Sharp, stabbing
o Worsened by deep breathing or coughing
* Difficulty breathing
* Discomfort, sometimes relieved by sitting upright or leaning forward
* Fainting, light-headedness
* Pale, gray, or blue skin
* Palpitations
* Rapid breathing
* Swelling of the abdomen or other areas

Additional symptoms that may be associated with this disease:

* Dizziness
* Drowsiness
* Low blood pressure
* Weak or absent pulse