What condition is characterized by the compression of the heart due to fluid buildup in the pericardial sac?

The condition characterized by the compression of the heart due to the accumulation of fluid in the pericardial sac is known as cardiac tamponade. This occurs when excess fluid collects in the pericardial space, leading to increased pressure on the heart. As a result, the heart is unable to fill properly between beats, which can severely impede its ability to pump blood effectively.

In cardiac tamponade, the invaginated pericardium surrounds the heart and the buildup of fluid restricts its movement. Symptoms of this condition may include hypotension, muffled heart sounds, and distended neck veins, often recognizable as part of Beck’s triad. Prompt recognition and management, including potential pericardiocentesis, are critical in treating this life-threatening condition.

In contrast, heart failure refers to the heart's inability to pump sufficient blood to meet the body's needs, which is not primarily due to fluid accumulation in the pericardial sac. Cardiac arrest is the cessation of effective cardiac activity resulting in the loss of consciousness and pulse. Pericarditis is inflammation of the pericardium that may lead to chest pain and, in some cases, can progress to tamponade, but it does not inherently involve the