Cardiac tamponade is a condition involving compression of the heart
caused by blood or fluid accumulation in the space between the
myocardium (the muscle of the heart) and the pericardium (the outer
covering sac of the heart). Blood or fluid collects within the
pericardium. This prevents the ventricles from expanding fully, so
they cannot adequately fill or pump blood. Cardiac tamponade is an
emergency condition that requires hospitalization.
Review Date: 05/17/2010
Reviewed By: A.D.A.M. Editorial Team: David Zieve, MD, MHA, and David R. Eltz.
Previously reviewed by Shabir Bhimji, MD, PhD, Specializing in
Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery, Midland, TX. Review provided
by VeriMed Healthcare Network (5/17/2010).
A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org)
