Attention, chocolate lovers: You may not be able to help yourselves. Swiss and British scientists have linked the widespread love of chocolate to a chemical "signature" that may be programmed into our metabolic systems.
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Cardiac Tamponade
- Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors
- Symptoms & Signs
- Diagnosis & Tests
- Prevention & Expectations
- Treatment & Monitoring
- Attribution
- View All
Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors
Cardiac tamponade is a build-up of fluid in the pericardium, which is the thin membrane around your heart. This build-up obstructs the flow of blood into your heart. And that means that the lower chambers of your heart, called the ventricles, cannot fill.
What is going on in the body?
The pericardium normally contains a very small amount of fluid. It plays an important role in the following ways:
Chest trauma, such as a crush injury, can cause fluid to build up in the pericardium. The accumulated fluid consists of blood or other body fluids. When this fluid builds up around your heart, it restricts the ability of the ventricles to fill with blood. If the build-up of fluid occurs slowly over time, then large amounts of fluid can collect. However, if fluid collects suddenly, even small amounts may be fatal.
What are the causes and risks of the condition?
Cardiac tamponade can occur after any of the following events or conditions.
If the cardiac tamponade is not treated, you may die.