Cardiac tamponade

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Pressure on the heart caused by fluid collecting in the sac that surrounds the heart.

Description

Cardiac tamponade puts pressure on the heart and keeps it from filling with blood properly. Less blood leaves the heart as a result. This can cause a life-threatening drop in blood pressure.

Overview

Cardiac tamponade symptoms can include rapid breathing, shortness of breath, a fast heartbeat, extreme tiredness, lightheadedness, fainting and chest pain. The exact symptoms mainly depend on how fast the condition comes on.

Symptoms

Cardiac tamponade requires emergency treatment. Usually, healthcare professionals use a needle or a small tube to drain extra fluid from the sac that surrounds the heart.

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