Beck's triad

System: Heart & Circulation Signs · All heart & circulation signs

What it is — and how it is elicited

The combination of low blood pressure, distended neck veins and muffled, distant heart sounds.

What a positive finding suggests

Associated with cardiac tamponade — fluid compressing the heart inside its sac.

◈ Behind the name

Claude S. Beck (1894–1971), American cardiothoracic surgeon.

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Please note: This page is an educational reference about clinical examination signs. A clinical sign supports — and never replaces — a full clinical evaluation, examination and appropriate testing. A sign being present does not by itself prove a diagnosis, and an absent sign does not rule one out. If you have symptoms that worry you, see a health professional.