Introduction Cardiac tamponade is a serious condition where fluid or blood builds up in the space around the heart. This extra fluid puts pressure on the heart, making it hard for it to pump blood properly. It’s an emergency that needs fast treatment.
Symptoms
- Shortness of breath
- Chest pain or discomfort
- Fast heartbeat
- Feeling lightheaded or faint
- Feeling anxious or restless
- Swelling in the legs or belly
- Low blood pressure
- Bulging veins in the neck
- Muffled sounds when listening to the heart
Causes
- Injury to the Chest: Such as from an accident.
- Heart Surgery or Procedures: Sometimes things go wrong after surgery.
- Cancer: Especially if it spreads to the area around the heart.
- Infections: Like those causing inflammation around the heart.
- Autoimmune Diseases: Conditions where the body attacks itself, like lupus.
- Heart Problems: Such as heart attacks.
- Bleeding Disorders: Conditions that make you bleed easily or use of blood-thinning medications.
Diagnosis
- Do a physical exam and ask about your health.
- Use an echocardiogram (an ultrasound of the heart) to look at how it’s working.
- Take a chest X-ray to see if there’s fluid around the heart.
- Perform an ECG to check the heart’s rhythm.
- Use a CT scan for detailed images.
- Do blood tests to check for infections or other problems.
Treatment Options
- Pericardiocentesis: A needle is used to drain the extra fluid from around the heart. This can provide quick relief and is often done in emergencies.
- Pericardial Window: A small surgery to make an opening in the sac around the heart to let fluid drain out.
- Pericardiectomy: A surgery to remove part or all of the sac around the heart. This is usually for long-term or repeated fluid buildup.
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We create treatment plans that fit each child’s unique needs
Support and education
We teach children and families how to care for them and prevent future cases
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