Changes

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.   

[[Category:Pericardial_Pathology]]

[[Category:Pericardial_Pathology]]