Beck's triad is associated with which condition?

Beck's triad is associated with which condition?

• A. Cardiac tamponade
• B. Aortic dissection
• C. Pulmonary embolism
• D. Myocardial infarction with STEMI

Answer: (A)

Beck's triad points to cardiac tamponade, where fluid buildup in the pericardial sac compresses the heart and impairs diastolic filling. The low blood pressure happens because reduced filling lowers stroke volume and cardiac output. The neck veins become distended due to increased central venous pressure, and the heart sounds are muffled because the fluid around the heart dampens transmission of sound. In tamponade, the combination of hypotension, jugular venous distension, and muffled heart sounds is classic, even though other conditions can cause some similar symptoms.

Beck's triad points to cardiac tamponade, where fluid buildup in the pericardial sac compresses the heart and impairs diastolic filling. The low blood pressure happens because reduced filling lowers stroke volume and cardiac output. The neck veins become distended due to increased central venous pressure, and the heart sounds are muffled because the fluid around the heart dampens transmission of sound. In tamponade, the combination of hypotension, jugular venous distension, and muffled heart sounds is classic, even though other conditions can cause some similar symptoms.