What condition is described by cardiac tamponade?

Cardiac tamponade is characterized by the compression of the heart due to the accumulation of fluid in the pericardial space, which is the area surrounding the heart. This fluid buildup exerts pressure on the heart, restricting its ability to expand fully and fill with blood, thereby impairing its overall function. As a result, cardiac output (the amount of blood the heart pumps) can diminish, leading to symptoms such as hypotension, tachycardia, and potentially, shock.

Understanding this condition is crucial because it can arise from various causes, including trauma, inflammation, or malignancies, and it often requires prompt treatment to relieve the pressure, commonly through procedures like pericardiocentesis. The other options describe different pathophysiological processes that do not pertain specifically to the definition of cardiac tamponade.