Introduction
Cardiac Tamponade can be understood as a medical condition in which blood or fluid penetrates inside the pericardium resulting in central pressure on the heart. This penetration does not allow the heart to pump blood or function appropriately. Due to less or no blood supply from the heart, vital organs start to fail one after the other, and the body goes into shock.
What Is Pericardium?
The pericardium is a dual-layered protective sac encompassing the heart that is fibro-elastic in nature. It is a physical barrier that clutches the heart in place and assists in its regular functioning by lubrication. Diseases to the pericardium come into the picture if there is any swelling or fluid starts getting filled in the pericardium. Such swellings and fluid accumulating in the pericardium are dangerous and lead to heart dysfunction. The pericardial cavity is the small area between the pericardium and the heart. When this pericardium gets filled with blood or fluid, it results in cardiac tamponade.
What Are the Causes of Cardiac Tamponade?
Tearing or penetration of the pericardium is the primary cause of cardiac tamponade. Infection of the pericardium, called pericarditis, is the second most common cause. Infection can be viral or bacterial in nature. Some of the other causes of cardiac tamponade include:
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Swelling of the pericardium post a heart attack.
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Reaction to certain medications.
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Autoimmune and metabolic diseases such as hypothyroidism, and chronic kidney failure.
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Radiation therapy.
Penetration of pericardium can occur through trauma such as open-heart surgery, stab wounds, gunshots, punctures during locating catheters, and blunt traumas such as car accidents. In rare cases, the actual cause of cardiac tamponade remains unknown.
What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Cardiac Tamponade?
The majority of the symptoms of an acute cardiac tamponade abruptly occur without prior warning signs. Below are a few of the signs and symptoms of cardiac tamponade.
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Restlessness.
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Chest pain that radiates to the neck and left shoulder.
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Deep inhalation becomes very strenuous.
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Shortness of breath that leads to rapid breathing.
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Striking pulse rates.
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Large visible veins on the neck.
Fever is a sign of an infection in the pericardium. The patient also feels dizzy and eventually loses consciousness. A classical sign of cardiac tamponade is that the chest discomfort experienced by the patient is relieved by leaning forward or sometimes even sitting down. Rarely, an acute episode of cardiac tamponade may lead to the body going into shock. This happens because the blood pressure falls extremely low. The aftermath of such a shock consists of pale skin and cold extremities.
How Is Cardiac Tamponade Diagnosed?
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A noticeable drop in blood pressure is the first clinical sign.
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Neck veins that are clearly visible is the second diagnostic clue.
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The third clinical manifestation is a rapid heartbeat resulting in a muffled heart sound.
The above three diagnostic features are called Beck’s triad. After evaluating Beck’s triad, further tests can be conducted to confirm the diagnosis of cardiac tamponade. A detailed medical history is recorded because it serves as ample support to both diagnosis and treatment planning. ECG or electrocardiogram, chest X-rays, a complete blood picture, MRI (magnetic resonance imaging), fluid analysis, and many more tests can be requested to determine the exact cause of cardiac tamponade. Getting into the depth of the condition and searching for the precise reason is vital for authentic treatment modalities.
What Is the Treatment of Cardiac Tamponade?
Cardiac tamponade is a medical crisis. If you or someone you know starts to experience an episode of cardiac tamponade, seek on-the-spot preventive measures. When the fluid gets filled within the heart’s cavity, it is definitely a moment of emergency and requires immediate drainage of the fluid. The most commonly used method for this fluid extraction is called pericardiocentesis. Pericardiocentesis, also referred to as pericardial tap, is an invasive procedure done under general anesthesia. A needle and a catheter are used to drain the accumulated fluid. Rarely, this fluid may leak into the peritoneal cavity, which is a cavity that accommodates the intestines, liver, and spleen. The drained fluid undergoes multiple tests for the presence of blood, infectious agents, and even cancer cells. In case of an infection, therapy directed to the causative agent is prescribed.
Regular electrocardiograms are taken to monitor the functioning of the heart. Analgesics and anti-inflammatory drugs are administered or prescribed to be taken routinely. In case of open-heart surgery or any invasive procedure, a blood transfusion may be required. Your healthcare provider is the right person to determine the principal line of treatment since each and every case of cardiac tamponade are divergent on its own.
Can Cardiac Tamponade Be Prevented?
The risk of experiencing a cardiac tamponade can be reduced by eating a healthy diet and exercising regularly. A balanced diet acts as fuel to the heart providing all the necessary nutrients, while regular exercise keeps the heart running similar to an engine. Depriving the heart of these two basic and fundamental requisites will only call for trouble in the near or late future. If one is already suffering from other cardiovascular diseases, a heart-healthy diet and regular consultations with the cardiologist should be made a priority.
Conclusion
An episode of cardiac tamponade results from fluid lodgement within the pericardium, which is the protective and lubricative sac surrounding the heart. Cardiac tamponade is a medical emergency that demands instantaneous relief from pain and prompt treatment measures. Drainage of the assembled fluid within the heart’s cavity is an unavoidable management modality, which is generally invasive in nature. The outlook after treatment is satisfactorily acceptable. But this is conditional on the diagnosis being made in the nick of time. Cardiac tamponade is indeed a medical crisis that puts both the patient and their family as well as the treating doctor into a tight spot. Nevertheless, it is a reversible condition that may result in a positive outlook.
