Cardiac Tamponade Treatments

Treatment

This is a serious condition. It can be life-threatening and requires immediate hospitalization and treatment.

Treatments are administered to:

Save the patient's life
Improve heart function
Relieve symptoms

Treatments that are administered for cardiac tamponade include:

Pericardiocentesis —a procedure to drain the fluid around the heart
Fluids to maintain normal blood pressure
Antibiotics
Medications to help increase blood pressure to normal levels
Oxygen to reduce workload on the heart
Surgery to remove or cut part of the pericardium

If you are diagnosed with cardiac tamponade, follow your doctor's instructions.

Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Copyright © 2026 EBSCO Publishing All rights reserved.