tamponade physiology

Tamponade physiology occurs when fluid, such as blood, accumulates in the space around the heart (the pericardium), creating pressure that compresses the heart. This prevents the heart from filling properly during diastole, reducing the amount of blood it ejects with each beat, which lowers blood pressure and can compromise circulation. As pressure builds, the heart's chambers can't expand fully, impairing their ability to pump effectively. This condition is a medical emergency requiring prompt removal of the excess fluid to restore normal heart function and circulation.