The classic signs of cardiac tamponade are known as Beck’s triad, which includes low blood pressure, distension of the jugular veins, and muffled heart sounds. The low blood pressure is a consequence of the decreased volume of blood being pumped by the heart and is typically accompanied by other signs, such as increased heart rate, shortness of breath and cold, sweaty, pale skin. Another common finding is paradoxical pulse, or pulsus paradoxus, which is an abnormally large drop in systolic blood pressure during inspiration. Jugular venous distention occurs due to increased retrograde pressure in the veins that drain into the right atrium, which increases as the blood isn’t being pumped forward onto the systemic circulation. Finally, upon auscultation, the increased layer of fluid surrounding the heart causes the heart sounds to appear damped or muffled. In addition, a scratchy sound known as pericardial rub can also be heard if there’s inflammation of the pericardium.