CDH Paramedic Entrance Test 2025 – 400 Free Practice Questions to Pass the Exam

The condition characterized by the buildup of fluid in the pericardial sac is pericardial effusion. This occurs when excess fluid collects in the space between the pericardium, which is the fibrous sac surrounding the heart and the heart itself. Pericardial effusion can result from various causes, including infections, inflammatory diseases, or post-surgery, and can lead to symptoms such as chest pain or pressure.

In contrast, while pericarditis involves inflammation of the pericardium, it does not specifically denote fluid accumulation. Cardiac tamponade refers to a situation where fluid accumulation in the pericardial sac becomes significant enough to impair the heart's ability to pump effectively but is a complication that can arise from a pericardial effusion. Myocardial infarction, known as a heart attack, involves the blockage of blood flow to a part of the heart muscle, which is unrelated to fluid accumulation in the pericardial sac.