Beck's triad

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Beck's triad is comprised of fall in the systolic pressure, rising jugular venous pressure and suppressed heart sounds. These findings are typical of cardiac tamponade.

1: The rising jugular venous pressure is evidenced by distended jugular veins while in a non-supine position. It is caused by reduced diastolic filling of the right ventricle, due to the outside pressure being exerted on it by the expanding pericardial sac. This results of a backup of fluid into the veins draining into the heart, most notably, the jugulars. In severe hypovolaemia, the neck veins may NOT be distended.

2: The fall in systolic pressure results when the fluid in the pericardial cavity accumulates to a degree that it impairs ventricular stretch, thus reducing stroke volume and cardiac output.

3: The suppressed heart sounds occur due to the muffling effects of the sounds passing through the fluid surrounding the heart.

Associated persons: Claude Schaeffer Beck