Final answer:
Pericarditis can lead to cardiac tamponade, a life-threatening condition that can cause cardiac arrest and death if not treated. Cardiac tamponade results from the accumulation of excess fluid in the pericardial space, reducing cardiac output.
Step-by-step explanation:
Pericarditis, if left untreated, can result in a condition known as cardiac tamponade, which can lead to cessation of heartbeat and death. Cardiac tamponade occurs when excess fluid, often blood, accumulates in the pericardial space, the cavity between the heart muscle and the pericardium that surrounds the heart. This accumulation of fluid increases pressure on the heart, preventing it from expanding fully during diastole, which in turn reduces the amount of blood the heart can pump, leading to a decrease in cardiac output.
When the heart's pumping action is impaired to a severe degree, it can result in cardiac arrest. Cardiac arrest is a critical condition where the heart ceases to pump blood effectively, which is a medical emergency that requires immediate intervention. If not treated promptly, cardiac tamponade can progress to cardiac arrest, which often leads to death without rapid medical treatment.