Tamponade

Cardiac tamponade is the accumulation of fluid in the sac that surrounds the heart, called the pericardium, which puts pressure on the organ and limits its ability to fill and pump blood normally.

Frequent symptoms: it may present with difficulty breathing, a feeling of pressure or discomfort in the chest, a rapid heartbeat, and weakness.

When to see a doctor? Since this is a condition that can affect how the heart works, in the event of shortness of breath or sudden chest discomfort it is best to seek care without delay.

Which specialist treats it? Its study falls to the cardiologist and, in cases that warrant it, the cardiovascular and thoracic surgeon; in minors the pediatric cardiologist gets involved.