Any person that develops Cardiac Tamponade should know that this is an emergency situation and without proper treatment will die. Physicians, nurses and paramedics that treat emergencies have taken an ACLS course and have the knowledge to intervene with the appropriate interventions for different heart arrhythmias. Cardiac Tamponade is where blood or fluids have accumulated between the heart and pericardium and is compressing the heart so that it does not pump efficiently and eventually will stop beating.
The treatment required is emergent and consists of performing a pericardiocentesis, meaning to remove the fluid or blood out from around the heart or the physician will do a pericardial window, where part of the pericardium is removed. Fluids are provided via IV to help keep a blood pressure within normal range and at times some medications are given to help elevate the blood pressure until surgery can be done. Oxygen is also provided to help with the oxygen demand of the heart. Health care providers that give emergency medical care should consider an ACLS course to become certified in providing life saving treatments to adult patients.
There are many causes for Cardiac Tamponade, which include dissecting aortic aneurysm, wounds or trauma to the heart, end stage lung cancer, heart attack, heart surgery, pericarditis, heart tumors, hypothyroidism, kidney failure, radiation to the chest area, or recent open heart surgery. Some symptoms may be anxiety, difficulty breathing, chest pain, pale blue or gray skin color, palpitations, swelling of the abdominal area, dizzy, drowsiness, low blood pressure or week or absent pulse. Immediately call 911, never transport a person that is having chest pain of any kind. The paramedics have been trained and have been certified from attending an ACLS course. The class provides lecture and hands-on training in dealing with adult medical emergencies using algorithms that most hospitals utilize as their protocols.
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