Beck's triad (cardiology)

Beck's Triad[edit | edit source]

Illustration of cardiac tamponade, associated with Beck's Triad.

Beck's Triad is a collection of three medical signs that are indicative of acute cardiac tamponade, a life-threatening condition where fluid accumulates excessively in the pericardial sac, impairing the heart's ability to pump blood effectively.

Description of the Triad[edit | edit source]

Beck's Triad consists of:

Low Arterial Blood Pressure: Diminished cardiac output due to the pressure on the heart.
Distended Neck Veins: Increased venous pressure from impaired cardiac function.
Distant, Muffled Heart Sounds: Due to the accumulation of fluid around the heart.

Clinical Implications[edit | edit source]

File:Becks Triad.png

An echocardiogram, used in diagnosing cardiac tamponade.

The presence of these signs is a critical indicator for the diagnosis of acute cardiac tamponade, necessitating immediate medical intervention. Narrowed pulse pressure might also be observed in these patients.

History of Beck's Triad[edit | edit source]

The concept of Beck's Triad was developed by Claude Beck, a pioneering figure in cardiovascular surgery. Beck was a resident and later a Professor of Cardiovascular Surgery at Case Western Reserve University.

External Links[edit | edit source]

Beck's triad (cardiology) Resources
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