Hemopericardium, wherein the pericardium becomes filled with blood, is one cause of<unk> . The pericardium, the double-walled sac surrounding the heart, consists of a fibrous pericardium layer on the outside and a double-layered serous pericardium on the inside. Between the two layers of the serous pericardium is the pericardial space, which is filled with lubricating serous fluid that prevents friction as the heart contracts. The outer layer of the heart is made of fibrous tissue which does not easily stretch, so once excess fluid begins to enter the pericardial space, pressure starts to increase. Consequently, the heart becomes compressed due to its inability to fully relax. If fluid continues to accumulate, each successive diastolic period leads to less blood entering the ventricles. Eventually, increasing pressure on the heart forces the septum to bend in towards the left ventricle, leading to a decrease in stroke volume. This causes the development of obstructive shock, which if left untreated may lead to<unk>  arrest (often presenting as pulseless electrical activity). The decrease in stroke volume can also ultimately lead to a decrease in<unk>  output, which could be signaled by tachycardia and hypotension.
Cardiac tamponade
Traumatic cardiac arrest
Acute pericarditis
Acute chest syndrome
Right heart strain
Wooden chest syndrome
Tamponade
Pneumopericardium