Beck's triad

Beck's triad refers to three clinical signs that suggest a person might have cardiac tamponade, a serious condition where fluid accumulates around the heart and impairs its function. The triad includes low blood pressure (hypotension), muffled or distant heart sounds, and jugular venous distension (swelling in neck veins). These signs occur because the excess fluid compresses the heart, preventing it from filling properly and pumping blood effectively. Recognizing Beck's triad helps healthcare providers quickly identify and treat this life-threatening emergency.