Cardiac Tamponade

Cardiac tamponade is a life-threatening condition in which excess fluid in the pericardial sac (a protective pouch surrounding the heart) begins to encroach on normal cardiac function.  Symptoms often include chest pressure, severe shortness of breath, extreme weakness, and even cardiovascular shock.  Unless the excess fluid is removed expeditiously, death can ensue.

Read about cardiac tamponade - its causes, its diagnosis and its treatment - here.