Which condition can result from untreated cardiac tamponade?

Untreated cardiac tamponade can lead to cardiac arrest, which occurs when the heart is unable to pump sufficient blood to the body due to increased pressure on the heart. This pressure is caused by the accumulation of fluid in the pericardial space, which restricts the heart's ability to fill and function properly. As the condition progresses, the heart muscle can become so compromised that it ceases to contract effectively, resulting in a critical decrease in blood flow and eventual cessation of cardiac function.

While heart failure may be a consequence of underlying heart disease or dysfunction, cardiac tamponade specifically impairs the acute functioning of the heart, leading rapidly to more severe outcomes if not addressed promptly. Conditions such as pneumonia and stroke, though serious, are not directly resulting complications of cardiac tamponade and therefore do not represent the immediate life-threatening risk posed by this condition.