DefinitionCardiac tamponade is compression of the heart that occurs when blood or fluid builds up in the space between the myocardium (heart muscle) and the pericardium (outer covering sac of the heart).Alternative NamesTamponade; Pericardial tamponadeCauses, incidence, and risk factorsIn this condition, blood or fluid collects in the pericardium. This prevents the ventricles from expanding fully. The excess pressure from the fluid prevents the heart from functioning normally.Cardiac tamponade can occur due to:Dissecting aortic aneurysm (thoracic)End-stage lung cancerHeart attack (acute MI)Heart surgeryPericarditiscaused by bacterial or viral infectionsWounds to the heartOther potential causes include:Heart tumorsHypothyroidismKidney failurePlacement of central linesRadiation therapy to th