Cardiac tamponade develops when the intrapericardial pressure increases due to unchecked fluid accumulation within the pericardial sac. As the pericardium is fibrous and inelastic this fluid creates a compression on the heart. Intrapericardial compression leads to diastolic collapse of the right atrium and sometimes the right ventricle, decreased ventricular filling and a resultant decrease in cardiac output. This will lead to arterial hypotension. | Cardiac tamponade develops when the intrapericardial pressure increases due to unchecked fluid accumulation within the pericardial sac. As the pericardium is fibrous and inelastic this fluid creates a compression on the heart. Intrapericardial compression leads to diastolic collapse of the right atrium and sometimes the right ventricle, decreased ventricular filling and a resultant decrease in cardiac output. This will lead to arterial hypotension. |