Cardiac tamponade

It consists of the accumulation of fluid (usually blood) in the pericardium, which compresses the cardiac muscle and hinders its function of pumping blood.

The most frequent causes are myocardial infarction, pericarditis, cardiac surgery and cancer.

It manifests with chest pain, shortness of breath, cold and sweaty skin, and dizziness. Weak pulses and dilated neck veins are characteristic.

Diagnosis is made through clinical history, physical examination and cardiac ultrasound.

Treatment consists of early emptying of the pericardium to reduce the pressure and allow correct pumping of the heart. The cause that provoked it must also be treated.