Care Plan Your Doctor Would Usually Recommend For Cardiac Tamponade

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Overview

Compression of the heart due to fluid buildup in the sac surrounding the heart.

Symptoms

Symptoms include restlessness, fainting, sharp chest pain, palpitations and fast breathing.

→ Common treatment options

→ Questions to ask your doctor

Causes

Commonly caused due to chest trauma.

Diagnosis

Usually, the doctor identifies by, commonly known as Beck’s triad, the three signs of cardiac tamponade: low blood pressure or pulse rate; extended neck veins; muffled heart sounds. Other tests are done to confirm the condition.

→ Common treatment options

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Highlights

• Treatable by a medical professional
• Diagnosed by medical professional
• Doesn’t require lab test or imaging
• Can last several days or weeks
• Certain types can be dangerous or life threatening
• Urgent medical attention recommended

Treatment

It is an emergency condition and treatment includes drainage of the fluid around the heart, providing oxygen, fluids and medications to increase blood pressure.

Procedure

Pericardiocentesis (with or without echocardiographic guidance): Draining fluid around the heart using a needle to remove fluid from the sac surrounding the heart.

Percutaneous balloon pericardiotomy: The procedure uses a long thin tube with a balloon attached to drain fluid out through the tube.

→ Questions to ask your doctor

→ Interested to know more? Check out the full article here

Disclaimer: For informational purposes only. Consult a medical professional for advice. Source: Focus Medica.