Cardiac tamponade occurs in approximately 2 out of 10,000 people. Awareness of risk can allow early diagnosis and treatment. Peripheral pulses may be weak or absent. Neck veins may be distended but the blood pressure may be low. ECG changes include low voltage wave forms.
Cardiac tamponade is an emergency condition that requires hospitalization.
Treatment is aimed at saving the patient's life, improving heart function, and treating of the tamponade. Bedrest with the head slightly elevated minimizes the workload on the heart and may be recommended until the condition is stable. Oxygen reduces the workload on the heart by decreasing tissue demands for blood flow. The cause of the tamponade must be identified and treated. Treatment of the cause may include medications such as antibiotics, and surgical repair of injury.