What are the symptoms of cardiac tamponade?

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What are the symptoms of cardiac tamponade?

Cardiac tamponade that happens quickly can cause the following symptoms:

  • Sharp pain in the chest. The pain may also radiate or extend to nearby parts of the body like the abdomen, arm, back, neck or shoulder. It may also get worse when you breathe deeply or cough.
  • Trouble breathing or breathing rapidly.
  • Fainting, dizziness or lightheadedness.
  • Changes in skin color, especially going pale, gray or blue-tinted skin.
  • Heart palpitations (where you become unpleasantly aware of your heartbeat).
  • Fast pulse.
  • Jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes caused by liver problems).
  • Altered mental status. A person with this will not be acting like themselves and may act confused or agitated.

Cardiac tamponade that happens more slowly may also cause these symptoms:

  • Shortness of breath.
  • Swelling in the abdomen or legs.
  • Fatigue or tiredness.
  • Chest discomfort that typically gets better when you lean forward or sit up.

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