Cardiac Tamponade

Cardiac tamponade is a life-threatening form of obstructive shock caused by pericardial pressure preventing normal cardiac filling.

In this episode, Chris and Mars review:

• The physiology of impaired diastolic filling
• Why rapid fluid accumulation is especially dangerous
• Beck triad and why all three findings are not required
• Pulsus paradoxus
• Electrical alternans
• Echocardiographic right atrial and right ventricular collapse
• Pericardial effusion versus true tamponade
• Intravenous fluids as temporary support
• When urgent pericardiocentesis or surgical drainage is required
• Why tamponade can cause pulseless electrical activity arrest

Episode pearl: Tamponade is not defined by how much fluid surrounds the heart. It is defined by whether that fluid is preventing the heart from filling.

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