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