Cardiac tamponade occurs when fluid [blood] builds up in the pericardial sac (the sac that

surrounds the heart.) This fluid compresses the heart. Enough blood cannot be pumped in and out of the heart - this decreases the
cardiac output, causing one million problems. This is a life-threatening condition. Signs & Symptoms -BP decreases, because you are
hemorrhaging; CVP [pressure inside the heart] increases, because blood is squeezing the heart; heart sounds are distant and muffled