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Pericardial tamponade

Last reviewed dd mmm yyyy. Last edited dd mmm yyyy

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Cardiac tamponade is a form of cardiogenic shock which is caused by fluid accumulation in the pericardial space.

The fluid which is either blood or a large pericardial effusion, increases the pericardial pressure and inhibits venous return.

Reduced venous return results in reduced cardiac output, hypotension and shock.

The degree of cardiovascular compromise depends on the rate of fluid accumulation; 2 litres of pericardial fluid may not cause symptoms if the accumulation is slow whereas much smaller volumes may be fatal if the accumulation is acute.


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The content herein is provided for informational purposes and does not replace the need to apply professional clinical judgement when diagnosing or treating any medical condition. A licensed medical practitioner should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions.

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