Sharp pain in the heart of the cause. Possible causes of stabbing pain in the heart. Signs of an emergency with cardialgia

Pain in the heart is an unpleasant phenomenon, which often indicates the development of serious diseases. Also, painful sensations can appear against the background of physical overstrain or severe stress.

Pain in the heart may indicate the development of diseases

For initial diagnosis, the following factors should be considered:

pain duration;
the nature of the discomfort (stabbing, cutting, squeezing, aching, periodic or permanent);
conditions for the occurrence of discomfort (at what time and under what circumstances the pain appeared).

There is an erroneous opinion that any pain in the left side of the chest is cardiac. In fact, a typical zone of localization of cardiac discomfort is the sternum (the area behind it and to the left of it). Unpleasant sensations reach the armpit.

To make a correct diagnosis, you need to see a doctor. Pain in the sternum is a symptom of many pathologies associated not only with the heart, but also with the lungs, mammary gland, stomach, muscles, bones and blood vessels.

Causes of pain in the heart

Discomfort that occurs in the region of the heart can have different intensity. Some patients feel a slight tingling sensation, others a sharp pain that paralyzes the entire body.

At home, you can only approximately determine the cause of the discomfort. First you need to study all possible diseases and deviations that can cause a similar symptom.

Diseases directly related to the heart.	Ischemia (angina pectoris, cardiosclerosis, myocardial infarction). Endocarditis, myocarditis, myocardial dystrophy, pericarditis. Detection possible malignant neoplasms, cardiac injuries, secondary injuries.
Nutritional and gastric pathologies.	tumors, ulcers, foreign bodies in the esophagus, internal bleeding, chemical burn injuries. Pain can also occur against the background of esophagitis, narrowing of the lumen of the food tube, GERD.
Lung diseases.	Silicosis, pneumonia, tuberculosis, pleurisy, the formation of tumors in the bronchi or lungs.
Diseases of the great vessels.	Aneurysms and coarctation of the aorta, PE (blockage of the artery of the lung).
Pathology of the mediastinum.	Tumors, mediastinitis (localized in the fiber area).
Diseases of the mammary gland.	Benign and malignant tumors, gynecomastia (male pathology) and mastopathy (female).
Influence of toxins.	Pain in the heart may appear due to alcohol, nicotine or drug intoxication of the body. Also, cardiac discomfort often occurs as side effect from medicines.

Unpleasant sensations can appear due to damage to muscles, bones, nerve trunks and even skin. The danger is also an overload of the heart, which occurs due to increased physical activity, arterial and portal hypertension.

Pain in the chest does not always indicate the development of heart disease. Discomfort, aggravated by tilting the body, deep inspiration or expiration, may be due to pathologies of the costal cartilage or sciatica (thoracic).

Sharp and severe pain in the intercostal spaces is the first symptom of shingles.

Pain in the ribs may be a symptom of shingles

Short-term and periodic cardiac discomfort of an indefinite nature often indicates the development of neurosis. In patients with this diagnosis pain localized in one place, for example, under the heart.

If a person is nervous, then he may also experience cardiac pain. Discomfort, which, as it were, presses on the heart, appears due to bloating of the intestines. Unpleasant sensations that occur after eating certain foods or fasting indicate diseases of the pancreas or the stomach itself.

What is the nature of the pain?

The nature of the pain is a decisive factor in helping to accurately determine the type of disease.

Compressive

Pain typical of oxygen deficiency of the heart muscle. It often occurs in ischemic diseases.

With angina pectoris, an unpleasant sensation appears behind the sternum, radiates to the shoulder blade. The patient's left hand is also numb. Pain occurs suddenly, usually due to excessive stress on the heart. A compressive discomfort can occur in a person after stress, physical activity, or taking a large number food.

Pain is atypical if it is localized under the left shoulder blade and occurs in the early hours when the person is at rest. Such discomfort appears due to a rare variety of angina - Prinzmetal's disease.

Pain under the left shoulder blade may indicate Prinzmetal's disease

pressing

Pain can occur in a perfectly healthy person due to alcohol or drug intoxication, as well as due to physical overstrain.

Pressing discomfort under the heart is characteristic of such diseases as arterial hypertension, breast or stomach cancer. If discomfort is accompanied by rhythm disturbances and shortness of breath, then this indicates myocarditis (allergic or infectious). Pressing heart pain can also arise from experiences.

If the pain is accompanied by shortness of breath, then this indicates myocarditis

stabbing

There is no need to worry if the heart colitis is intermittent and without accompanying symptoms (problems with speech, dizziness, fainting). The most common cause of stabbing discomfort is neurocirculatory dystonia. It occurs in the process physical activity when the vessels do not have time to expand or narrow with changes in rhythm.

Pain, which is permanent and prevents breathing, speaks of diseases of the lungs and bronchi (pneumonia, cancer, tuberculosis). Sharp stabbing pain in the left side of the chest is a symptom of myositis. The disease occurs due to muscle sprains, infection, hypothermia and helminthic invasion.

Neurocirculatory dystonia may occur due to physical exertion

Aching

Aching discomfort in the region of the heart is a typical symptom for patients suffering from regular psycho-emotional overload. At the same time, pain can be strongly felt and occur periodically. As a rule, patients with nagging cardiac discomfort do not have any serious diseases or abnormalities. A person should think about going to a neurologist or psychotherapist if he has the following symptoms:

depression;
apathy or, on the contrary, increased irritability;
suspiciousness, anxiety;
somatic disorder.

If it aches and hurts in the area of \u200b\u200bthe heart for no specific reason, then this may indicate cardioneurosis. Aching-compressive discomfort also occurs against the background of an ischemic stroke, but in this case, other characteristic symptoms are also observed: dizziness, loss of consciousness, a sharp deterioration in vision, numbness of the extremities.

Pulsating and aching pain is a sign of intercostal neuralgia.

Ischemic stroke is accompanied by pain in the heart and dizziness

sharp

The occurrence of severe and sudden cardiac discomfort in most cases requires further hospitalization of the patient. Sharp and acute pain is a characteristic symptom of many serious pathologies. Such discomfort may indicate diseases such as:

Pathology is characterized by prolonged pain that occurs suddenly and is not amenable to painkillers. It becomes difficult for the patient to breathe, he has a fear of imminent death. Unpleasant sensations can be given to the stomach, spread throughout the chest. With a myocardial infarction, the patient may begin vomiting or involuntary urination.
Aortic aneurysm dissection. Often occurs in older people who have undergone surgery on the aorta or heart. Patients have a feeling of sudden cutting pain, rapidly gaining intensity. At first, there may be a feeling that something is stabbed inside. Discomfort often radiates to the shoulder blade. At the same time, the patient's blood pressure constantly rises and falls.
Rib fracture. With fractures, burning pain is observed, which subsequently transforms into aching. The patient requires immediate hospitalization, as it may begin internal bleeding.
PE (pulmonary embolism). The disease leads to blockage of the pulmonary artery by a thrombus that has sailed from varicose veins or pelvic organs. This pathology is characterized by a sharp cardiac discomfort, gaining intensity over time. The patient may have a feeling that he is pressing or baking inside. The main symptoms of PE are palpitations, coughing up blood clots, dizziness, and loss of consciousness. Patients often find it difficult to breathe, they experience severe shortness of breath.
Pathology of the stomach and esophagus. Most dangerous phenomenon perforation of an ulcer of the cardia or stomach is considered. With such a complication, a sharp stabbing pain occurs, transforming into nausea. The patient has black dots before his eyes, he may lose consciousness. Any diseases of the stomach and esophagus, accompanied by vomiting or loss of consciousness, require hospitalization.

Sudden and sharp pain indicates a myocardial infarction

In some cases, severe cardiac discomfort occurs against the background of prolonged angina pectoris. In addition to pain, the patient may feel dizzy.

How to distinguish the symptoms of cardiac ischemia and signs of an ulcer of the cardiac region? With ischemia, discomfort occurs during physical activity, more often in the daytime or in the evening. The pain has a compressive, less often - aching character, lasts up to half an hour. With an ulcer, discomfort occurs in the morning when the stomach is empty. The discomfort is of a sucking or pressing nature, lasting for several hours or all day.

What to do with heart pain?

A person who has a sharp heart attack needs to be given first aid. For minor illnesses, you can try medications and folk ways treatment. Any therapy should be agreed with the doctor.

First aid

If the heart suddenly hurts, then you should immediately stop physical activity and calm down. A person should sit down, loosen or remove outer clothing and squeezing accessories (belt, tie, necklace). It is advisable to sit in a comfortable chair or lie down on the bed. Such methods are suitable if the heart aches due to overload.

The patient must be measured arterial pressure. For readings above 100 mm Hg, one tablet of nitroglycerin should be placed under the tongue and wait until it is completely absorbed. First aid is especially effective for angina pectoris. If these methods do not help, then you need to call an ambulance.

At ischemic stroke can also provide first aid. To do this, gently turn the victim to one side, cover with a warm blanket and apply ice or a cold object to his forehead. You can not use ammonia to bring a person to his senses. If clinical death is suspected, it is necessary to give the patient a heart massage.

If there is a sharp pain in the heart, a person needs to ensure peace

What to do with pain in the heart of a teenager? At the age of 14-17 years, tachycardia (an increase in heart rate over 90 beats per minute) is normal. With tachycardia, minor pain, dizziness, and less often nausea can be observed. If a teenager has serious deviations, then he should be taken to a therapist. It is this doctor who will conduct an initial examination and refer the patient to the right specialist.

Pharmacy preparations

Over-the-counter medications help with minor pain. It should be understood that all serious diseases are treated under the close supervision of a doctor. The following medicines help to get rid of pain in the heart:

Corvalol (drops). A sedative used for congestion and nervous conditions. Available in the form of drops. Not approved for use by lactating women. Take 15 to 50 drops at a time. The drug should be dripped into a small amount of water and drunk after meals. Recommended dose for tachycardia: 45 drops. The cost of Corvalol: about 50-70 rubles.
Validol (tablets). Another sedative that dilates blood vessels. The drug is used for angina pectoris, cardialgia, neuroses. Daily dose: 1 tablet no more than 3 times a day. A positive effect should occur within 5-10 minutes after using the medication. In the absence of a pronounced effect on the second day of using the medication, therapy should be stopped. The cost of the drug: from 50 rubles per pack.
Aspirin cardio (tablets). A medicine that helps with angina pectoris (in particular, unstable), cerebrovascular accidents. It is used more often for the prevention of various heart diseases. The tool relieves cardiac pain of varying severity. The drug should be used 1 time per day. Tablets should not be taken by pregnant and lactating women. The cost of the medication: from 80 rubles.
Piracetam (ampoules). Via this drug injections can be given. The remedy is effective in coronary heart disease. It has a nootropic effect. It is necessary to use the drug carefully, since at the very beginning of treatment, injections are administered both intravenously and intramuscularly. You should do 2-3 injections a day, daily dose drugs - 300-400 mg. Course of treatment: at least 7 days. The cost of funds: from 45 rubles.

If a person becomes ill after taking medication, then it is worth completely changing the course of treatment. The drugs should have a positive effect after a maximum of 2-3 days of use. The injections have a cumulative effect, so they can work for 4-5 days.

Corvalol is a common sedative

Folk remedies

With pain in the heart, you need to use various methods of therapy. It is worth giving up smoking, alcohol, harmful and fatty foods. Patients often need to be in the air, it is desirable to go to nature. It is also worth isolating yourself from psycho-emotional stress. Otherwise, serious problems cannot be avoided, since all negative factors affect the heart.

Valerian, hawthorn and motherwort

A soothing blend that will help with aching and pressing pain caused by stress. To prepare the solution, you need to pour a glass warm water and add a few drops of valerian, motherwort and hawthorn to it. The tincture can be drunk 2 times a day. It helps relieve stress and relieve cardiac discomfort.

Valerian tincture will help relieve pain

Motherwort, hawthorn and wild rose

The mixture will help strengthen blood vessels and stabilize the work of the heart. You will need to take 1.5 liters of boiled water, 1 tablespoon of wild rose, 2 tablespoons of motherwort and 5 tablespoons of hawthorn. The result is a solution that is enough for several days. It should be taken 1-2 times a day for half a cup. The mixture does not help treat serious heart diseases, but it provides powerful prevention and relieves pain.

Motherwort will help stabilize the work of the heart

Pumpkin juice and honey

Pumpkin juice with honey should be taken for cardiovascular pathologies. The ingredients must be mixed in proportions of 3: 1. In order for the mixture to work well, it must be drunk at night. You can also take a nut mixture with raisins, as it helps to strengthen the walls of blood vessels and has a beneficial effect on the nervous system.

Pumpkin juice is good for the cardiovascular system

Can you drink coffee when your heart hurts?

There is a list of factors in the presence of which drinking coffee is categorically not recommended. It should not be used by pensioners and children. Adolescents should also limit their frequent drinking of coffee and coffee-containing drinks. For people with hypertension, this drink is strictly prohibited.

It is forbidden to drink coffee for people with hypertension

Various studies have proven that nothing happens to a person suffering from cardiac diseases after coffee. At the same time, you can drink no more than 1-2 cups per day, depending on age and condition. Coffee should not contain sugar and be too strong. It is also worth noting that the regular use of this drink reduces immunity.

Such a symptom may be in the following diseases:

Acute myocardial infarction. The classic symptom of myocardial infarction is pain, which patients describe as stabbing or even cutting - and always very severe. Sometimes in a heart attack there are various atypical symptoms. In about 12% of cases, stabbing pains in the heart indicate a heart attack - which is why it is very important to call an ambulance as soon as possible, and not wait for the pain to pass by itself. Pain during a heart attack is often felt not only in the chest, but also in the left arm and back. In addition, the patient may lose consciousness and complain of pain in the stomach. Other accompanying signs are severe chills and/or cold sweats. These symptoms strongly suggest that the patient has a myocardial infarction and not another heart disease.
Angina. This disease is characterized by a decrease in blood flow to the pericardial vessels; in some cases it causes severe stitching pains in the heart. Its symptoms are often mistaken for signs of a heart attack. Coronary spasms can also cause stabbing pains. In many cases, the pain resolves after taking one or two nitroglycerin tablets, however, to make sure that the patient's condition is not life-threatening, it is recommended to consult a doctor.
Pericarditis is an inflammation of the serous membrane of the heart. This disease can be caused by viral, fungal, or bacterial infections. In addition, pericarditis may develop as a result allergic reaction, it can also be a consequence of injuries, malignant tumors, taking certain medications, for example, glucocorticosteroids.
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy - hypertrophy of the wall of the left or right ventricle of the heart. Usually hypertrophy, or thickening, is asymmetrical. The most common cause of this disease are various gene mutations. One of the symptoms of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy can be stabbing pains in the heart. The disease is treated with medication or surgery.

Patients who come with complaints of pain in the heart emotionally describe "punctures" in the heart. Stitching pains in the heart can be so severe that there is a feeling of fear of death.

This nature of pain in most cases is not associated with severe pathology of the heart, most often the cause is the development of neurosis. against the background of experienced stress, in a conflict situation and other conditions that are related to the emotional state of a person.

Manifestation of a neurotic state

A typical picture that characterizes a neurotic state is manifested by "pricks" or stabbing pains in the heart. Most often this happens after nervous strain, strong excitement or emotional stress. In this regard, this condition was called "neurosis of the heart." In addition to the pain symptom, patients experience pronounced vegetative manifestations:

nausea
feeling of "lump in the throat", shortness of breath
abdominal discomfort
cardiopalmus

A person against the background of emotional stress does not tolerate such complaints, he gets the feeling that he is seriously ill, that there are serious problems with the heart. The doctor's task is to calm the patient and give an explanation that there are no problems with the heart, that stabbing pains are a clinical manifestation of his experienced stress.

People with a labile psyche, emotionally unstable, who take close to all life's problems are especially susceptible to this. A conflict at work, a quarrel in the family are the cause of worries, which will subsequently manifest pain syndrome. Pain can be called a psychosomatic manifestation, so it is important to calmly perceive the current stressful situation. In our time, the state of “chronic stress” has become familiar, associated with the pace of life and the complexity of relationships between people. The state of his health and loved ones completely depends on the correct behavior of a person in such conditions of life.

Stitching pains in the heart, which are the result of neurosis, do not spread to other areas, that is, this pain is strictly localized.

Irradiation of pain to the shoulder, shoulder blade, neck or arm is not typical. This characteristic of the pain syndrome should be used to clarify the diagnosis.

How to deal with stress

Everyone is affected by stress, so the main task is to be able to cope with such a situation. During stress, the body produces large amounts of adrenaline. Under its influence, all important systems are activated, including of cardio-vascular system. This is a physiological, adaptive reaction, which is aimed at the ability to respond correctly to a crisis situation, a kind of body protection.

To get rid of the psychosomatic effects of stress , it is recommended to follow some rules of conduct. After any stress, it is necessary to relax, recuperate, as the fact of constant tension will naturally affect the state of health and the work of the heart. To get rid of the high content of adrenaline, you can do exercise . In the process of muscular work, adrenaline will be consumed at an increased rate, so it will not have a negative effect. Changing activities is an effective way to squander the high blood levels of adrenaline.

Pain in the region of the heart can have a different character. It depends on the reason that caused its appearance. It may be related to the heart itself, or it may be formed as a result of other factors. Why is there a sharp pain in the heart?

Why is there a sharp pain?

Acute pain in the heart of a sharp nature can occur due to various reasons. However, they may or may not be related to the work of the heart. Such a manifestation always requires first aid, because the person cannot even move. The patient may describe the symptom as a sharp pain that comes on suddenly.

angina pectoris

When a person is caught by an attack of angina pectoris, he feels a sharp pressing pain, which occurs due to the narrowing of the coronary vessels. It is not always possible to remove the syndrome with the help of "Nitroglycerin". But it is important to provide first aid in time so that there is no development of myocardial infarction. If the soreness does not recede after two tablets of the drug, then urgently call a doctor.

angina pectoris

aortic aneurysm

It often manifests itself in older people, accompanying hypertension, atherosclerosis and other heart pathologies. Early intervention on the heart can contribute to the development of the disease.

The disease is manifested by a sharp pain in the region of the heart, which radiates to the shoulder blade. There are pressure drops, heart rhythm disturbance, low pulse, slight blueness skin, increased sweating, loss of consciousness.

myocardial infarction

The disease is the death of a section of the heart muscle. In this case, the treatment is carried out in stationary conditions. Only in this way is it possible to bring a person back to life and make it more or less qualitative. If the myocardium is infected, then the patient has a sharp pain, characterized by duration, severity. Patients, describing the symptom, speak as if they had stuck a knife.

Cutting pain is accompanied by panic, suffocation, hand trembling, sweating, low pulse, and is not relieved by medication. Soreness can radiate to other parts of the body, a person can feel sick, the heart rhythm goes astray, consciousness is lost. Get rid of severe pain with a heart attack, you can use powerful painkillers that are injected in a hospital.

myocardial infarction

Thromboembolism of the artery of the lung

In this disease, a blood clot floats from a vein into the pulmonary artery. The larger it is, the stronger the manifestation of acute pain in the region of the heart. In addition to the syndrome, a person does not have enough air, he is worried about coughing up blood, the heartbeat quickens, the veins in the neck swell. The patient may lose consciousness. This pathology requires urgent medical care in a hospital setting.

Pathologies of the digestive organs

The cause of a sharp pain in the heart can be a disease of the digestive organs. It could be gastritis, an ulcer. For example: perforation of a cardiac ulcer causes such pain as if a dagger were thrust into it. As a result of this, the general condition worsens, nausea, fainting appear, flies flicker before the eyes, dizziness.

Sometimes the patient may think that his heart hurts when a spasm occurs. bile ducts and gallbladder. And this despite the fact that the organs are located on the right side of the body. But when there is a strong sharp pain, it gives to the left side of the sternum. You can cope with such a symptom by taking an antispasmodic.

Similar to heart pain on the left, which appears when a hernia forms in the esophagus. She worries at night, when a person is in a horizontal position. As soon as he gets up, within a few seconds the symptom disappears.

stomach ulcer

Neuralgia

Quite often, intercostal neuralgia is accompanied by a sharp pain, similar to the heart. The syndrome has a shooting character, intensifies during body turns, movements, coughing, laughing, breathing. Sometimes the pain goes away quickly, and in some cases it can last up to several days.

Neuralgia manifests itself between the ribs in the left or right side. Unpleasant sensations can be given to the region of the heart, spine, lower back. The patient understands where the pain appears.

Osteochondrosis

At thoracic osteochondrosis vertebrae, cartilaginous tissues, intervertebral discs suffer. All this is accompanied by severe pain, which can radiate to the sternum, abdomen, shoulder blades. When a person moves or breathes, it becomes more intense. Often the patient's left hand, the part of the body located between the ribs, goes numb.

Many confuse pain in osteochondrosis with the manifestation of angina pectoris, especially when pain occurs at night, accompanied by a feeling of fear. You can check what hurts: the heart or the spine, using the Nitroglycerin tablet. After taking the medication heart symptom will recede, and the vertebral pain will continue to disturb further.

Osteochondrosis

How to distinguish pain?

To understand whether this pain is heart or not, you need to know about some of the characteristic features of heart pain. The following signs may indicate it:

It does not last long, a maximum of 15 minutes, and non-cardiac pain can be a constant concern.
It has a different character: pressing, burning, sharp.
May radiate to the left side of the body.
Passes after taking "Nitroglycerin".
Accompanied by shortness of breath, a feeling of panic, dizziness, loss of consciousness, high or low pulse.
Occurs during physical or psycho-emotional overstrain.

When an attack occurs, the skin may become pale or acquire a bluish tint, this usually manifests itself in the nose and lips. The general state of health worsens, sweating increases, working capacity becomes lower.

Treatment of heart pain

If it starts to hurt in the sternum, then you should consult a doctor and undergo an examination. If there is confidence that the pain comes from the heart, then go to a cardiologist. If the manifestation of a symptom due to other pathologies is possible, then consult a therapist.

doctor prescribes diagnostic measures, which allow you to establish what causes soreness. Surveys include the following:

The study of anamnesis.
Examination of a sick patient.
Conducting an ultrasound examination of organs located in the chest.
Carrying out an electrocardiogram and computed tomography.

Once it is determined what caused the heart disease, the doctor will prescribe treatment. An individual therapy plan is developed for each patient. For example: if the matter is inflammatory process, you will need a course of antibiotics.

If the pain was caused by diseases of the stomach, then a diet and the use of special medications are recommended to help eliminate pathologies. At severe forms heart disease may require surgery.

Individual treatment for each patient

To prevent pain in the heart, you need to carefully monitor your health, treat any diseases in time, strengthen immune system, lead an active lifestyle, give up bad habits.

It is impossible to ignore the discomfort in the sternum. After all, many diseases occur with no symptoms until they reach a severe form. You don't have to chalk it up to fatigue after exercise. It is better to consult a doctor and make sure that the health of the heart is normal.

Get rid of dangerous papillomas FOREVER

A simple and proven way to get rid of papillomas and warts without dangerous consequences. Find out how >>

Sharp stabbing pains in the heart

The heart can hurt in different ways, and the nature of the pain determines its cause. Many have experienced acute cutting pain in the heart - why does it occur, what does it signal and how to treat it?

Why does a sharp stabbing pain appear in the heart

strong sharp pain in the heart, as a rule, lasts only a few seconds, but even for this a short time the person becomes very frightened. No wonder - in an instant it becomes difficult for you to breathe, from which a feeling of panic arises. Stitching short-term pain in the region of the heart may be a sign of:

herpetic neuralgia;
intercostal neuralgia;
thoracalgia (compression of the intercostal nerves);
precordial syndrome.

All of the above does not pose a serious threat to health and life, although some people perceive a sharp pain in the left side of the chest as the beginning heart attack. As a rule, this is not the case. But you need to go to the doctor if the following symptoms are present:

acute or;
the pain does not last a couple of seconds, but turns into aching and lasts more than 30 minutes;
there is weakness, dizziness, sweating;
the skin turns pale;
changes in the rhythm of the heart (for example, there is a rapid heartbeat).

If these symptoms are present, we can talk about serious cardiac diseases. In this case, consultation with a cardiologist is necessary, and as soon as possible.

What can acute pain in the heart area indicate?

Sharp pain in the region of the heart on the left is not a cause for concern if this symptom is rare and disappears after you calmly breathe. But if the pains are repeated often, if their intensity increases, and they themselves are accompanied by the symptoms listed above (night pains, changes in heart rate, etc.), then there is a chance of developing:

angina pectoris, which can lead to a heart attack;
pericarditis (inflammation in the heart bag);
cardiomyopathy (hypertrophy of the heart muscles);
myocardial dystrophy (dystrophic phenomena in the tissues of the heart)

and other heart diseases.

How to understand that it is the heart that hurts: the difference between acute pain in the heart and others

Many are sure that a strong sharp pain in the heart cannot be confused with anything. These are sudden stabbing sensations (as if a needle was stuck in the heart), which pass just as quickly. Know - this is most likely neuralgia, and in this case it is not your heart that hurts. You need to learn to distinguish pain in the heart from pain caused by other causes, and this is not at all difficult.

Remember that when the heart hurts, discomfort occurs behind the sternum in the center and can be felt on the left - up to the middle of the armpit.

Point acute pain in the lower left is unlikely to be provoked by heart problems. Sometimes cardiac, as well as in the left hand, including in the hand. Sometimes it is hearty and even responds in the right hand! So, if you experience pain in the area of \u200b\u200bthe armpit, arm, shoulder, this may be a sign of coronary heart disease. Pain in the heart is usually associated with stress - emotional, mental or physical, while a sharp pain in the region of the heart that occurs when moving, coughing, sighing, has nothing to do with heart disease. In any case, it is better to consult a doctor so that he makes a correct diagnosis and, if necessary, either prescribes you a treatment or redirects you to another specialist (if you have pain of a different origin).

Treatment

In the event of a stabbing pain in the heart, it is necessary:

take a comfortable position - sit down, lie down;
calm down, try to breathe normally (after breathing, you will most likely feel that the pain is gone).

If you regularly experience acute pain in the heart, you need to see a cardiologist. The doctor will listen to your complaints and prescribe which will give an accurate picture of the condition of your heart. Usually, in the absence of other symptoms, rarely occurring sharp sharp pain in the heart area is not a cause for concern. But you still need to contact a specialist - for reinsurance. If there are no reasons to worry about your health, you yourself will become calmer, and you will be easier to relate to these pains if they arise in the future.

It may happen that the doctor detects heart disease at an early stage, which facilitates therapy and helps you stay healthy for many years.

Prevention of heart failure

So that sharp heart pains do not bother you, you need to reduce the level of stress in daily life. Try to worry less about trifles, apply sedatives on the natural basis. An excellent choice would be valerian or herbal preparations. Watch your sleep schedule, do not abuse caffeinated products. Focus on outdoor activities and sports.

If your work is stressful, try to get rid of it with a hobby or active leisure. Take care of the instructor. If necessary, contact a psychologist to help you calmly relate to the events taking place in life.

Remember that one-time acute pain in the region of the heart is almost never a symptom. serious illnesses. This is just a "bell" from the body, which says that you should worry less.

At least once a year, visit a cardiologist for a preventive examination. This will help maintain the health of the heart muscle at any age. You need to be especially careful about your well-being after 30 years. Remember that prevention is more effective and more pleasant than cure!

Pain in the heart may indicate the development of diseases

For initial diagnosis, the following factors should be considered:

pain duration;
the nature of the discomfort (stabbing, cutting, squeezing, aching, periodic or permanent);
conditions for the occurrence of discomfort (at what time and under what circumstances the pain appeared).

Causes of pain in the heart

Discomfort that occurs in the region of the heart can have different intensity. Some patients feel a slight tingling sensation, others a sharp pain that paralyzes the entire body.

At home, you can only approximately determine the cause of the discomfort. First you need to study everything possible diseases and deviations that can cause a similar symptom.

Diseases directly related to the heart.	Ischemia (angina pectoris, cardiosclerosis, myocardial infarction). Endocarditis, myocarditis, myocardial dystrophy, pericarditis. It is possible to detect malignant neoplasms, heart injuries, secondary injuries.
Nutritional and gastric pathologies.	Tumors, ulcers, foreign bodies in the esophagus, internal bleeding, chemical burn injuries. Pain can also occur against the background of esophagitis, narrowing of the lumen of the food tube, GERD.
Lung diseases.	Silicosis, pneumonia, tuberculosis, pleurisy, the formation of tumors in the bronchi or lungs.
Diseases of the great vessels.	Aneurysms and coarctation of the aorta, PE (blockage of the artery of the lung).
Pathology of the mediastinum.	Tumors, mediastinitis (localized in the fiber area).
Diseases of the mammary gland.	Benign and malignant tumors, gynecomastia (male pathology) and mastopathy (female).
Influence of toxins.	Pain in the heart may appear due to alcohol, nicotine or drug intoxication of the body. Also, cardiac discomfort often occurs as a side effect of medications.

Sharp and severe pain in the intercostal spaces is the first symptom of shingles.

Pain in the ribs may be a symptom of shingles

Short-term and periodic cardiac discomfort of an indefinite nature often indicates the development of neurosis. In patients with this diagnosis, pain is localized in one place, for example, under the heart.

What is the nature of the pain?

The nature of the pain is a decisive factor in helping to accurately determine the type of disease.

Compressive

Pain typical of oxygen deficiency of the heart muscle. It often occurs in ischemic diseases.

Pain under the left shoulder blade may indicate Prinzmetal's disease

pressing

Pain can occur in a perfectly healthy person due to alcohol or drug intoxication, as well as due to physical overstrain.

If the pain is accompanied by shortness of breath, then this indicates myocarditis

stabbing

There is no need to worry if the heart colitis is intermittent and without accompanying symptoms (problems with speech, dizziness, fainting). The most common cause of stabbing discomfort is neurocirculatory dystonia. It occurs during physical activity, when the vessels do not have time to expand or contract with changes in rhythm.

Neurocirculatory dystonia may occur due to physical exertion

Aching

depression;
apathy or, on the contrary, increased irritability;
suspiciousness, anxiety;
somatic disorder.

Pulsating and aching pain is a sign of intercostal neuralgia.

Ischemic stroke is accompanied by pain in the heart and dizziness

sharp

The occurrence of severe and sudden cardiac discomfort in most cases requires further hospitalization of the patient. Sharp and sharp pain characteristic symptom many serious pathologies. Such discomfort may indicate diseases such as:

Pathology is characterized by prolonged pain that occurs suddenly and is not amenable to painkillers. It becomes difficult for the patient to breathe, he has a fear of imminent death. Unpleasant sensations can be given to the stomach, spread throughout the chest. With a myocardial infarction, the patient may begin vomiting or involuntary urination.
Aortic aneurysm dissection. Often occurs in older people who have undergone surgery on the aorta or heart. Patients have a feeling of sudden cutting pain, rapidly gaining intensity. At first, there may be a feeling that something is stabbed inside. Discomfort often radiates to the shoulder blade. At the same time, the patient's blood pressure constantly rises and falls.
Rib fracture. With fractures, burning pain is observed, which subsequently transforms into aching. The patient requires immediate hospitalization, as internal bleeding may begin.
PE (pulmonary embolism). The disease leads to blockage of the pulmonary artery by a thrombus that has sailed from varicose veins or pelvic organs. This pathology is characterized by a sharp cardiac discomfort, gaining intensity over time. The patient may have a feeling that he is pressing or baking inside. The main symptoms of PE are palpitations, coughing up blood clots, dizziness, and loss of consciousness. Patients often find it difficult to breathe, they experience severe shortness of breath.
Pathology of the stomach and esophagus. The most dangerous phenomenon is considered to be perforation of an ulcer of the cardiac or stomach. With such a complication, a sharp stabbing pain occurs, transforming into nausea. The patient has black dots before his eyes, he may lose consciousness. Any diseases of the stomach and esophagus, accompanied by vomiting or loss of consciousness, require hospitalization.

Sudden and sharp pain indicates a myocardial infarction

In some cases, severe cardiac discomfort occurs against the background of prolonged angina pectoris. In addition to pain, the patient may feel dizzy.

What to do with heart pain?

A person who has a sharp heart attack needs to be given first aid. For minor diseases, you can try medication and alternative methods of treatment. Any therapy should be agreed with the doctor.

First aid

The patient must have his blood pressure measured. For readings above 100 mm Hg, one tablet of nitroglycerin should be placed under the tongue and wait until it is completely absorbed. First aid is especially effective for angina pectoris. If these methods do not help, then you need to call an ambulance.

With ischemic stroke, first aid can also be provided. To do this, gently turn the victim to one side, cover with a warm blanket and apply ice or a cold object to his forehead. You can not use ammonia to bring a person to his senses. If clinical death is suspected, it is necessary to give the patient a heart massage.

If there is a sharp pain in the heart, a person needs to ensure peace

Pharmacy preparations

Corvalol (drops). A sedative used for congestion and nervous conditions. Available in the form of drops. Not approved for use by lactating women. Take 15 to 50 drops at a time. The drug should be dripped into a small amount of water and drunk after meals. Recommended dose for tachycardia: 45 drops. The cost of Corvalol: about 50-70 rubles.
Validol (tablets). Another sedative that dilates blood vessels. The drug is used for angina pectoris, cardialgia, neuroses. Daily dose: 1 tablet no more than 3 times a day. A positive effect should occur within 5-10 minutes after using the medication. In the absence of a pronounced effect on the second day of using the medication, therapy should be stopped. The cost of the drug: from 50 rubles per pack.
Aspirin cardio (tablets). A medicine that helps with angina pectoris (in particular, unstable), cerebrovascular accidents. It is used more often for the prevention of various heart diseases. The tool relieves cardiac pain of varying severity. The drug should be used 1 time per day. Tablets should not be taken by pregnant and lactating women. The cost of the medication: from 80 rubles.
Piracetam (ampoules). With the help of this drug, injections can be given. The remedy is effective in coronary heart disease. It has a nootropic effect. It is necessary to use the drug carefully, since at the very beginning of treatment, injections are administered both intravenously and intramuscularly. It should be done 2-3 injections per day, the daily dose of the drug is 300-400 mg. Course of treatment: at least 7 days. The cost of funds: from 45 rubles.

Corvalol is a common sedative

Folk remedies

For pain in the heart, you need to apply various methods therapy. It is worth giving up smoking, alcohol, harmful and fatty foods. Patients often need to be in the air, it is desirable to go to nature. It is also worth isolating yourself from psycho-emotional stress. Otherwise, serious problems cannot be avoided, since all negative factors affect the heart.

Valerian, hawthorn and motherwort

A soothing blend that will help with aching and pressing pain caused by stress. To prepare the solution, you need to pour a glass of warm water and add a few drops of valerian, motherwort and hawthorn to it. The tincture can be drunk 2 times a day. It helps relieve stress and relieve cardiac discomfort.

Valerian tincture will help relieve pain

Motherwort, hawthorn and wild rose

Motherwort will help stabilize the work of the heart

Pumpkin juice and honey

Pumpkin juice is good for the cardiovascular system

Can you drink coffee when your heart hurts?

It is forbidden to drink coffee for people with hypertension

Pain in the heart area does not always indicate a disease or a myocardial infarction. Often this is due to diseases of the spine or chest organs. For proper first aid, it is important to know the signs of "true" heart pain.

Causes of pain in the heart

Pain in the region of the heart Retrosternal pain can occur in people of absolutely any age under absolutely any circumstances. Not always such a condition signals a pathology of the heart. Conventionally, all pains that occur in the chest can be divided into pains of cardiac origin and non-cardiac.

Non-cardiac reasons include:

Pathology of the digestive system:
- some diseases of the esophagus;
- diseases of the stomach, pancreas and gallbladder.
Respiratory diseases:
- pleurisy;
- pneumonia;
- pneumothorax;
- severe forms of bronchial asthma;
- tuberculosis.
Vascular pathology:
- embolism pulmonary artery;
- dissecting aortic aneurysm.
Diseases of the neuromuscular system:
- osteochondrosis of the cervical spine or thoracic;
- intercostal neuralgia;
- various myalgias.
Viral diseases:
- shingles.
Diseases of the nervous system:
- panic attacks and various dystonias.

Cardiac causes of pain:

Myocardial infarction.
Chronic ischemic heart disease.

Description of symptoms of pain depending on diseases

Quite often, many people with retrosternal pain do not pay attention to their nature and therefore mistakenly believe that discomfort is associated with heart disease. Features of pain in the chest directly depend on the cause and degree of progression of the disease.

For example, often the cause of burning sensations behind the sternum is a banal heartburn. The reason is the ingestion of gastric juice into the esophagus. These pains are often accompanied by belching and a sour taste in the mouth. With heartburn, discomfort is clearly associated with food intake, i.e. occur after eating. Often occur when bending over or when the body is in a horizontal position. Taking antacids relieves the burning sensation in the chest. Absolutely similar discomfort is possible with a disease such as GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease). One of its manifestations is heartburn.

Pain and heartburn can be caused by a disease such as spasm of the esophagus. With it, swallowing is disturbed due to the fact that the lump of food does not move correctly towards the stomach. This is due to the uncoordinated work of the muscles of the esophagus. Another pathology is achalasia. The disease is a malfunction of the valve between the esophagus and the stomach. In this condition, food lingers for a while in the lumen of the organ, causing discomfort and pain in the chest.

Inflammatory diseases of the pancreas ( pancreatitis) and gallbladder ( cholecystitis) can cause pain in the lower chest. With a disease such as gallstone disease ( cholelithiasis) there are also painful sensations that can easily be confused with heart pain.

Among pulmonary diseases, chest pain may occur with pleurisy(inflammation of the tissue lining the chest cavity) or pneumonia(pneumonia). characteristic feature These pathologies are the presence of a cough or increased pain when inhaling. These inflammatory diseases almost always lead to an increase in body temperature. Pleurisy can be a complication of pneumonia.

Similar pain sensations often appear with such diseases of the pulmonary system as a severe form bronchial asthma or pneumothorax. The last disease is the appearance of free air in chest cavity resulting in collapse of the lung.

There are several major vascular non-cardiac causes, causing pain behind the sternum and associated with the pathology of the peripulmonary vessels. These include pulmonary embolism or increased pressure in the vessels supplying the lungs with blood - pulmonary hypertension. In this case, the pain increases sharply when inhaling, a cough may appear.

Another lesion of large vessels that causes discomfort in the chest is dissecting aortic aneurysm. This condition is extremely dangerous for human life. A characteristic feature is the gradual change in the localization of pain. At the beginning, unpleasant sensations appear in the region of the heart and gradually descend into the lower abdomen. Very often, a dissecting aneurysm is accompanied by sharp decline pressure, tachycardia and loss of consciousness.

A very common cause of chest pain is osteochondrosis of the chest, cervical spine. Pain in this pathology is very similar to that in angina pectoris: they radiate (give) to the shoulder blade or left hand. The only difference is the fact that the pain becomes more intense when moving, tilting the torso, turning the head or raising the arms.

At intercostal neuralgia And Tietze's syndrome stabbing pains are localized in the region of the sternocostal joints or along the intercostal spaces. In this case, the pain increases sharply with a deep breath. As a result, the person cannot breathe deeply. This condition is stopped by taking any analgesic anti-inflammatory drugs.

Various inflammation of the muscles of the chest and back often lead to discomfort and discomfort in the heart. The nature of the pain is about the same as with osteochondrosis and intercostal neuralgia.

Such viral disease caused by the herpes virus shingles accompanied by defeat nerve endings and causes severe pain in the chest. It sometimes increases the sensitivity of the skin. A rash may appear at the site of the lesion.

Panic attacks, nervous disorders and some dystonias are often causes of pain in the region of the heart. Such diseases in the absolute majority affect young people with labile nervous system or after stress. Pain can be absolutely any character.

In addition to the above diseases, the causes of pain can be "true" cardiac pathology. Most often, discomfort behind the sternum occurs when angina pectoris. The disease is often accompanied pressing pains in the heart, which gradually increase their intensity during exercise or stress. The reason is the narrowing of the lumen of the vessels supplying the heart muscle as a result of their sclerosis or spasm. Often, at rest, the pain stops on its own.

The most dangerous of the common diseases of the cardiovascular system is myocardial infarction. With this disease, there is a sharp cessation of nutrition of a certain area of \u200b\u200bthe heart muscle due to blockage of the artery. The pain can be given to the shoulder blade, neck, shoulder, left arm. Accompanying symptoms are cold sweat, shortness of breath, and sometimes nausea.

Other cardiac pathology, accompanied by pain behind the sternum, may represent inflammatory changes ( myocarditis, endocarditis or pericarditis). This happens after a bacterial or viral infection.

Differential diagnosis of chest pain

The first diagnostic measures that must be performed if discomfort occurs in the chest area are to calm down and listen to the nature of the pain, its dependence on physical activity, body position, and possible emotional stress.

Self-diagnosis and self-treatment in this case are fraught with dangerous consequences. Due to the fact that pain can signal a dangerous pathology, consultation with medical specialists is required.

The next steps to determine the pathology are to consult doctors. It is obligatory to consult a therapist for the appointment of a number of instrumental examinations or for referral to a narrower specialist.

It may be necessary to consult such doctors as a pulmonologist, neurologist, surgeon, gastroenterologist, vascular and cardiac surgeon, psychiatrist, infectious disease specialist. In mild forms of nervous disorders, a consultation with a psychologist is sometimes sufficient.

Instrumental Research

Quite often, an examination by medical specialists is not enough to determine the cause of retrosternal pain. In order to clarify the diagnosis, it is often necessary to additionally resort to various instrumental diagnostic studies. Due to the fact that pain in the chest can be caused by the pathology of various systems and organs of the body, most examinations are associated not only with the study of the state of the heart. The main ones are:

Ultrasound of the abdominal organs;
FEGDS (fibroesophagogastroduodenoscopy) - study of the state of the esophagus, stomach and duodenum;
fluorography or radiography of the chest;
FVD (determination of the function of external respiration);
Ultrasound of the heart, aorta and pulmonary vessels;
radiography, computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the spine;
electrocardiography (ECG), echocardiography (EchoCG), stress tests;

How to understand what hurts the heart

When pain occurs in the heart area, it is extremely important to determine the cause in order to provide proper first aid. The most dangerous pathology, leading to discomfort in the chest area is associated with disruption of the cardiovascular system.

To determine real heart pain, it is enough to perform a few simple manipulations, which with a high degree of probability will indicate whether discomfort is associated with heart pathology.

The first thing to do is to understand whether there is a dependence of pain sensations on the position of the body, whether it intensifies with torso bending, raising arms or taking a deep breath. If so, then most likely the reason is a disease of the musculoskeletal system (osteochondrosis, intercostal neuralgia, etc.).

Indirectly, even the nature of the pain can, with a high degree of probability, “say” about the cause. In cardiac pathology, it is often pressing, often accompanied by shortness of breath. Severe stress with existing discomfort in the chest can also indicate cardiac pathology. If the discomfort behind the sternum increases in proportion to the performed physical activity and stops after doing it, then with almost one hundred percent certainty we can talk about angina pectoris (lack of blood enrichment of the heart muscle during exercise).

What to do if your heart hurts: first aid

In the event of the above clinical manifestations It is important to stop all physical activity as soon as possible. It is necessary to take a lying or semi-sitting position. The next step is to calculate the heart rate (heart rate) from the pulse and an approximate determination of blood pressure (blood pressure). With high blood pressure numbers, you can take Captopril (Capoten) or Clonidine (Clonidine) under the tongue.

If it is impossible to "feel" the pulse on the wrist and the presence of dizziness or nausea, it is worth suspecting low blood pressure. In this case, it is extremely important, in addition to the lying position, to raise the legs above the level of the head. To do this, you can put any object under them.

In almost any condition, you can take sedative drops (Valerian, Corvalol, Motherwort, Hawthorn) or a Validol tablet. The most effective drug for heart pain is Nitroglycerin.

Rules for taking Nitroglycerin:

The drug should be taken in a supine or semi-sitting position.
It is taken only until the pain syndrome is relieved, i.e. if the pain has disappeared, the need for it disappears.
The maximum number of tablets used is 3 pcs.
Joint simultaneous reception with Validol is possible.
It is applied only sublingually (under the tongue) with an interval of 5 minutes.
If you are allergic to Nitroglycerin, it can be replaced drug from the group of calcium channel blockers (Nifedipine, Fenigidin). Contraindicated in severe tachycardia.
Nitroglycerin should not be used for low blood pressure.

If all the measures taken did not lead to the disappearance of pain, it is necessary to call ambulance for emergency ECG removal in order to exclude angina pectoris, ischemia or myocardial infarction. In addition to electrocardiography, it is important to take a blood test as soon as possible to determine the concentration of troponin in the blood - a protein, the amount of which increases sharply with the destruction of muscle tissue, in this case, with a heart muscle infarction.

The treatment of all pains in the region of the heart depends entirely on the pathology that caused these sensations. The method and option of therapy is determined by a specialist of the profile, which disease causes discomfort in the chest.

Complications of diseases associated with chest pain

Pain in the region of the heart, which has arisen for any of the reasons, can lead to completely different consequences, up to and including death. However, the most common of them are the defeat of specific organs.

Chest pain due to pathology gastrointestinal tract may be complicated by diseases such as:

perforated ulcer of the stomach or duodenum;
gastrointestinal bleeding;
the formation of malignant tumors;
B12 deficiency anemia.

lung pathology associated with painful sensations in the region of the heart, has the following common complications:

lung abscess;
various infectious processes up to sepsis (blood poisoning).

Vascular diseases, in particular, PE and dissecting aortic aneurysm in most cases lead to death. Diseases of the spine can be complicated by intervertebral hernias and, in the worst case, stenosis of the spinal canal and disability.

True heart pain most often ends in myocardial infarction, the development of heart failure or death due to cardiac arrest. Intractable cardiac arrhythmias may occur, which will also eventually lead to circulatory failure.

Prediction of true heart pain

The prognosis of chest pain of cardiac origin can be completely different. If sensations discomfort appear on the background of stress, then in most cases the outcome of such a state is favorable. This is due to the fact that at nervous disorders there is an increased release of adrenaline into the blood, which constricts blood vessels and increases heart rate. As a result, the oxygen demand of the heart increases. And due to narrowed blood vessels, there is a lack of blood circulation. Together, this leads to heart pain.

If pain occurs during exercise, then we are most likely talking about angina pectoris. This disease has a less favorable prognosis, because. with an increased demand for oxygen in the myocardium, the vessels of the heart cannot provide full access to it. This may indicate a change in the vessels that feed the heart. With this pathology, the risk of developing myocardial infarction increases.

Symptoms occurring at rest, often indicate the development of a disease such as unstable angina. In the people it is called a pre-infarction state. This condition is more likely to lead to a heart attack or even sudden cardiac death.

If pain in the region of the heart is severe and is not stopped by taking Nitroglycerin, then in this case the prognosis is the most unfavorable, since, most likely, myocardial infarction develops. The prognosis of this pathology is unpredictable. A person can live for many more years in a satisfactory condition, with certain limitations, or die from cardiac arrest and circulatory failure. It all depends on the type of heart attack and the state of the cardiovascular system of the body.

Thus, only one conclusion is valid, that pains in the region of the heart can have absolutely any causes. Accordingly, the outcome is also very different. With very intense pain that is not relieved by Nitroglycerin, an emergency consultation of medical specialists is required. The cause of any pain in this area should be diagnosed in time to prevent possible complications and improving the quality of life.

Update: October 2018

A healthy heart is a prerequisite for a long and full life. Pain in the heart area, at least, require careful attention to yourself. If they arise, then there is always alertness and anxiety. “Heart, heart, what happened that confused your life?” Do cardiac pains always indicate problems with the heart and how to distinguish them from other pains - in this article.

The region of the heart - where is it?

Anterior projection of the heart chest occupies the area from the upper edge of the cartilage of 3 ribs to the lower edge of the body of the sternum. The apex is projected into the 5th intercostal space 2 cm medially from the line crossing the middle of the clavicle. The right border goes from the cartilage of the 3rd rib to the 5th intercostal space on the right.

Usually, any discomfort in the left half of the chest is taken for heart pain, regardless of its nature and intensity. But the typical location of heart pain is the area behind the sternum and to the left of it to the middle of the armpit.

Features of the spread of heart pains are the appearance of reflected pains (on the left in the shoulder blade and under it, in the arm). Sometimes reflection is isolated, for example, 4-5 fingers of the left hand, left jaw. Rarely does pain radiate to right hand or left shoulder.

The nature of the pain in the heart

The description of suffering by the patient himself is very important at the first stage of diagnosis. Exactly detailed description pain allows the doctor to orient in the direction of the search and reduce to the necessary minimum additional methods examinations.

When questioning a patient, take into account:

conditions for the occurrence of pain (during exercise or after, at rest, connection with food, at night or daytime)
the nature of sensations (pricks, compresses, aching, cuts, presses, constantly or periodically)
pain duration
after which they stop.

Causes of pain in the heart

Heart disease:	Diseases of the stomach and esophagus:	Toxic effects:
ischemic disease (angina pectoris, arrhythmias, myocardial infarction, post-infarction) endocarditis pericarditis myocardiopathy myocardial dystrophy secondary lesions on the background diabetes uremia, hyperthyroidism heart injury tumors	esophagitis foreign bodies of the esophagus stomach ulcer tumors stenosis of the esophagus mallory-weiss syndrome chemical burns of the esophagus and stomach gastric bleeding, ulcer perforation.	drugs alcohol heart poisons nicotine drugs
Heart overload:	Pulmonary pathologies:	Pathologies of large vessels:
with arterial hypertension volume in thyrotoxicosis pressure with portal hypertension (for example, with)	pneumonia pleurisy tuberculosis silicosis lung or large bronchial tumors	aortic aneurysm, including its dissection aortic coarctation pulmonary embolism
Diseases of the mediastinum:	Nerve damage:	Bone lesions:
mediastinitis neoplasms	intercostal neuralgia herpes zoster	fractures and fractures of the ribs pain in blood tumors
Muscle damage:	Skin lesions:	Pathologies of the mammary glands:
sprains rhabdomyoma	boils carbuncles	mastopathy (gynecomastia in men) benign tumors

Constricting pain

This is a typical cardiac pain, informing about the oxygen deficiency of the heart muscle. It is characteristic of almost all forms of coronary heart disease. With angina pectoris, compressive pain in the chest in the region of the heart or behind the sternum gives typical reflections under the scapula and left arm. It occurs during exercise and passes independently at rest or from taking nitroglycerin, which dilates blood vessels and redistributes blood between the layers of the myocardium.

Patients with various types of arrhythmia are also concerned about such pain:

it is most typical of atrial fibrillation or ventricular fibrillation
frequent extrasystoles
paroxysmal tachycardia
intracardiac blockades
often the pain is accompanied by a fear of death and necessarily uneven pulse
the equivalent of pain in some cases is shortness of breath, indicating circulatory failure.

Atypical compressive pain under the left shoulder blade, in the region of the heart, may occur at rest, in the early morning hours against a background of spasm coronary arteries(Prinzmetal's angina).

Sharp pain

This variant of pain always signals the need for emergency care, and therefore does not allow you to switch to anything else. The condition can also be described as acute pain, as it occurs suddenly.

angina pectoris

A protracted angina pectoris attack with a typical location and reflection of severe compressive pain is the result of incipient thrombosis, embolism, or a sharp stenosis of the coronary vessels. At this stage, nitroglycerin does not help well, but timely medical assistance can prevent the death of the heart muscle. If, after taking nitroglycerin twice with a break of five minutes, the pain has not gone away. It is necessary to call an ambulance.

myocardial infarction

This is actually necrosis of the heart wall. Here only treatment in specialized hospital can save the patient's life and preserve its future quality. With myocardial infarction, the pain is very pronounced, protracted, intractable by nitropreparations, accompanied by fear of death, a feeling of lack of air. sweating, hand tremors. It can also be atypical, for example, give into the stomach or mimic intestinal colic, accompanied by nausea and vomiting, heart rhythm disturbances, convulsions, and involuntary urination. Some heart attacks pass with a mild pain syndrome, which does not lose its sharpness, but the pain is more tolerable. With pain, it is stopped only by neuroleptoanalgesia using powerful painkillers.

Diseases of the esophagus and stomach

The second variant of a dangerous sharp pain in the region of the heart is a catastrophe with the esophagus and the cardial part of the stomach. Perforation of a cardiac ulcer will give a dagger pain, which will entail vegetative disorders in the form of lightheadedness. flashing flies before the eyes, dizziness or loss of consciousness.

For the esophagus, bleeding is more typical against the background of frequent vomiting (Mallory-Weiss syndrome) or from dilated esophageal veins with portal hypertension against cirrhosis of the liver. The rate of loss of consciousness and the severity of circulatory disorders will depend on the volume of blood loss. In any case, ulcer perforation or bleeding is a reason for surgical care.

Thromboembolism of the pulmonary artery

This is a thrombus that has sailed from the pelvic system or into the arteries of the lung. The more branches of the pulmonary artery thrombosed and the larger they are, the more pronounced and intense the pain. In addition to it, coughing up blood, shortness of breath, palpitations, swelling of the jugular veins are observed. With thrombosis of large trunks, collapse and loss of consciousness develop. It is also an emergency requiring emergency assistance and hospitalizations.

Aortic aneurysm dissection

It occurs more often in older men against the background of long-term unregulated arterial hypertension, atherosclerosis, or coarctation of the aorta. A provoking factor may be heart or aortic surgery. Most often, the ascending part of the vessel is stratified. In this case, a longitudinal rupture of the inner membrane leads to the accumulation of blood between the layers of the aorta. Suddenly there is a sharp tearing pain behind the sternum or in the region of the heart, extending under the shoulder blade. At the same time, the pressure first rises. and then drops sharply. There is asymmetry of the pulse on the limbs, the skin turns blue. Sweating appears, fainting may develop. Neurological manifestations become violations motor activity. Hematoma can lead to oxygen starvation of the heart, shortness of breath, hoarseness. Often patients fall into a coma.

rib fracture

Sharp pains are also characteristic of. Subsequently, the nature of the pain changes to aching or gnawing.

Pressing pain

In cases of overload of the heart, pressure on it or dull pain may be felt.

This variant of pain can also occur in healthy people, for example, with excessive physical exertion, playing wind instruments that increase pressure in the pulmonary circulation.
With arterial hypertension, the heart has to pump blood against a pressure gradient, which impairs its blood supply and increases the workload.
Thyrotoxicosis leads to increased heart rate and overloads the heart with volume.
Cardiac tamponade is a consequence of injuries and compression of the heart with blood. Also, the heart can compress the effusion with pericarditis of various origins (tuberculous, tumor).
With myocarditis of an infectious or allergic nature, non-intense pressing pains are accompanied by shortness of breath, rhythm disturbances, and heart failure.
Myocardiopathy, myocardial dystrophy, neoplasms of the heart also give pressing sensations without a clear connection with the load, prolonged or episodic.
Pressing pain behind the sternum mimics foreign bodies in the esophagus or esophagitis.
Intoxications of various nature (medicinal, narcotic, alcoholic), as well as poisoning with organophosphorus substances, ether, chloroform, neurotoxic plant poisons give severity to pressure on the heart, are combined with arrhythmias and heart failure, are fraught with.
Purulent pathologies of soft tissues, mastopathy. also give excess pressure in the projection of the heart.
High levels also lead to a situation where pressing pains mimic cardiac pathologies.

In order not to get into the situation of Tom Sawyer, who was not strong in anatomy and hid the donated flower closer either to the heart or to the stomach, a comparative table can be used to distinguish stomach pain from heart pain.

stabbing pain

If the heart stabs occasionally, the pain is not accompanied by blood flow disorders (no fainting, dizziness, memory or speech disorders), as a rule, is not dangerous.

Most often, stabbing pains in the heart are given by neurocirculatory dystonia, in which the vessels do not have time to adequately narrow or expand when the load changes.
Rarely, stabbing pains are accompanied by infrequent extrasystole,),.

Strong pain

Unbearable pain can be with a heart attack, pulmonary embolism, dissection of an aortic aneurysm. Often it is 10 out of 10 points. Patients are excited, rush about. Have an intense fear of dying.
10-9 points on the intensity scale gives mediastinitis - inflammation of the mediastinum. When a purulent process develops due to complications surgical treatment, injuries of the esophagus, the collapse of tumors, then the pain causes patients to take a forced position with their chin pressed to the chest. It is aggravated by swallowing and tilting the head. There is also fever, sweating, agitation or confusion, swelling of the upper half of the body.
Angina gives pain from 6 to 8 points.
Myocarditis and pericarditis 5 to 2.

Aching pain in the region of the heart

The more intense the rhythm of modern life becomes, the more patients complain of pain in the heart in the cardioneurosis program. There are absolutely no organic changes in the organ or the vessels feeding it in such patients or they are insignificant.

there is only a high degree of neuroticism
depression
anxiety disorder
often cardioneurosis develops as part of somatized depression.

Dissatisfaction with oneself and the world around, which does not come out in behavioral features, breaks through in the form of pain in the heart. At the same time, patients are haunted by many unpleasant sensations: pressure on the heart, its fading when inhaling, aching pain and concern for your health.

Often fixation on a non-existent cardiac pathology makes a person repeatedly examined, change specialists and clinics, significantly poisoning his life. At the same time, an experienced psychotherapist or group correction could solve the problem in a short time.

Pain in the heart: what to do

If you suspect a heart problem, it is better to reassess the risks and immediately contact a general practitioner or cardiologist. After questioning and examination, the doctor will prescribe:

urine and blood tests
fluorography of the chest organs
if necessary, bicycle ergometry, treadmill and ECHO-cardioscopy.

Such a tactic will allow you to react in time to a real heart disease or to make sure that it is absent in a short time and save extra nerve cells. In addition, other serious and not so serious diseases are often disguised as cardiac pathologies, which are also desirable to be diagnosed and treated in a timely manner.

Pain in the heart is a symptom of multiple problems, but not always of the heart. So pathologies of the musculoskeletal system, respiratory organs, gastrointestinal tract, neurological disorders can manifest themselves. Therefore, each of us needs to know how to distinguish pain in the heart area associated specifically with his disease in order to prevent serious complications, for example, myocardial infarction.

Unpleasant sensations in the chest area received a collective name in medicine - cardialgia.

What pathologies can pain speak of?

Pain in the heart area can indicate many pathologies. Hearts include:

ischemia (angina pectoris, arrhythmias, myocardial infarction, postinfarction cardiosclerosis);
inflammation of the myocardium, with a violation of the main functions of the muscle: excitability, conduction and contractility;
myocardiopathy;
myocardial dystrophy;
heart injury;
neoplasms.

Pathologies manifested by heart pain:

esophagitis;
gastroesophageal reflux pathology;
stomach ulcer;
malignant neoplasms;
chemical burns of the mucous membrane of the esophagus, stomach;
Mallory-Weiss syndrome, accompanied by gastric bleeding;
ulcer perforation;
pneumonia;
pleurisy;
tuberculosis;
pneumoconiosis;
aneurysm or dissection, congenital narrowing of the aorta;
pulmonary thrombosis, etc.

Only a specialist can make a correct diagnosis after a detailed diagnosis.

The nature of pain

Pain in the region of the heart can have a different character and intensity. Therefore, you should know what pains in the heart are in order to prevent its complications. Let's take a look at their types.

Compressive

Constant compressive pains in the heart inform about the lack of oxygen in the myocardium - the heart muscle. Such a symptom is characteristic of almost all forms of ischemia (ischemia is a decrease in myocardial blood supply with weakening, cessation of arterial blood flow).

Angina is characterized by compressive unpleasant sensations behind the sternum, radiating under the shoulder blade and into the left arm. Discomfort occurs almost always after physical exertion, at rest or after taking nitroglycerin preparations.

Constrictive sensations occur in people with various violations rhythm (bradycardia, tachycardia, arrhythmia). Often discomfort is accompanied by fear, shortness of breath. With such pathologies, compressive pain appears in the heart.

Sharp

Sharp pains come on suddenly. They are characterized by the following pathologies:

Angina. Prolonged angina attacks, accompanied by a feeling of constriction, indicate thrombosis, embolism, and a sharp stenosis of the coronary vessels. In such cases, nitroglycerin preparations do not help. If a person has taken two tablets with an interval of 10 minutes, but the discomfort does not go away, you should definitely call an ambulance. Only professional medical techniques will help prevent myocardial death - necrosis.
Myocardial infarction. This pathology is necrosis of the muscle wall. It is characterized by very pronounced, lingering sharp sensations that radiate to the stomach and are very similar to an attack of intestinal colic. It is not possible to relieve discomfort with nitropreparations. It is accompanied by lack of air, severe sweating, trembling hands, bouts of nausea and vomiting, loss of consciousness, arrhythmia. Often, people suffering from a heart attack experience convulsions, involuntary urination.
Pathologies of the digestive tract. The cause of acute, sharp discomfort in the chest is the perforation of a stomach ulcer. From a sharp attack, a person becomes ill, “flies” appear before his eyes, his head begins to spin, up to loss of consciousness.
Thrombosis of the pulmonary artery. Pathology is a blockage of the arterial bed of the lung by a thrombus. Tachycardia, shortness of breath, hemoptysis, fever, wet rales, cough can join the sharp pain. Thrombosis is a medical emergency that requires emergency medical attention.
Aortic aneurysm (the aorta is the largest artery). Pathology is characterized by unpleasant sensations in the upper part of the sternum. The discomfort lasts for 2-3 days, usually occurs after exercise, is not observed in other parts of the body, and does not disappear after nitroglycerin drugs.
Aortic aneurysm dissection. Rupture of the aorta leads to the flow of blood between the layers of the walls of the vessel. When the wall breaks through, rapid massive blood loss occurs. In simple words, a huge hematoma is formed in the vessel. Often, the pathology develops in older men. The condition when blood accumulates between the layers of the aorta is characterized by a sudden sharp tearing discomfort behind the sternum or around the heart. Usually gives under the shoulder blade.

At the same time, pressure jumps are observed - at first it rises significantly, then drops rapidly. Characteristic features- asymmetry of the pulse on the hands, blue skin. A person sweats a lot, at the same time, he faints, his breathing is disturbed, his voice is hoarse, shortness of breath is observed. Hematoma leads to a lack of oxygen in the myocardium and coma.

pressing

Sudden pain and pressure in the chest develops with angina pectoris. The pain is paroxysmal, it can be relieved by taking nitroglycerin drugs. The difference between angina and a heart attack is that angina does not occur at rest and at night. Pressure sensations are almost always accompanied by jumps in blood pressure.

Pressing pains in the region of the heart can be the cause, symptoms (cardiac neurosis). In addition, a person will feel dizziness, arrhythmias, which are most often observed after a strong stressful situation, excitement.

Another reason for feeling pressure and discomfort in the chest is myocarditis. Symptoms: severe squeezing in the chest, shortness of breath, increased heart rate, swelling of the lower extremities.

Myocardiopathy, myocardial dystrophy, neoplasms of the diseased heart also give pressing sensations. But in this case, discomfort does not arise from physical activity. Develops independently even at rest.

stabbing

Many people perceive stabbing sensations as life-threatening pathologies. But such tingling indicates a neurosis. This condition is not life threatening. It is associated with an intense pace of life, a large load on the psyche. Any cardiologist, having heard from a person that chest pain is sudden, short-lived and looks like an injection, will say that this is not a cause for concern. Such symptoms do not indicate serious pathologies.

The causes of such pain in the heart can be irritability, a nervous breakdown. Most often subject to such crises are emotional, strongly experiencing any, even the smallest troubles, people.

With constant anxiety, fear, emotional overstrain, adrenaline is reflexively released, which activates vital systems. In the process of evolution, the body has adapted to fight, for example, to attack or run away in the face of imminent danger. In the event that adrenaline is not spent on muscle mass, he is “trying to find” his realization in other organs, provoking stabbing sensations in the chest area.

Strong

Unbearable severe pain in the heart may indicate a heart attack, pulmonary thrombosis, aortic aneurysm dissection. At the same time, the person is excited, rushing about. In addition to severe pain in the region of the heart, people experience a strong fear of death.

burning

Such pains in the heart are the following reasons:, pericarditis, neurocirculatory dystonia, heartburn with gastroesophageal reflux (reflux of stomach contents into the esophagus).

Chest pain on inspiration

Shooting pains when inhaling from the side of the heart can be a sign of temporary infringement of the spinal nerves. Aching sensations at the exit - a symptom of protrusion ( pathological process in the spine, in which the intervertebral disc bulges into the spinal canal), intervertebral hernias. Constant discomfort and frequent pain on inspiration in the region of the heart are formed against the background of a violation of muscle tone and are expressed in muscle strain, as well as spondylosis (a pathology of the spinal column, which consists in the growth of vertebral tissue in the form of spikes, protrusions), osteochondrosis.

How to understand that pain is associated with heart disease

There are a number of specific symptoms that will tell you how to determine that pain in the heart is associated with its pathology. If at least a few of them are present, this is a reason to contact the cardiology center:

painful sensation lasts at least 30 minutes;
discomfort occurs during a night's sleep, at rest;
pain in the heart and disappear after taking nitroglycerin preparations;
pain in the region of the heart is periodically accompanied by suffocation, dizziness, fainting;
pressure in the chest area appears after physical or psychological overstrain, pain in the heart radiates to the region of the left arm, shoulder blade;
there is an increase in the frequency of contractions, rhythm disturbance without obvious reasons;
the skin, while the heart hurts, turns pale, acquires a bluish tint, especially in the region of the nasolabial triangle;
a person feels weak, sweats a lot.

Often, pain in the region of the heart is accompanied by aches, numbness of the muscles of the forearms. Then they rise to the muscles of the shoulder, give behind the sternum; sweat is intense; breathing becomes difficult; legs and arms "do not obey" a person.

What to do with heart pain

What to do if you experience pain in the heart area:

Take Corvalol. If the discomfort does not subside, then most likely the person has serious problems. In this case, you should call an ambulance.
Hold your breath for a while. But if at the same time the pain in the region of the heart still does not subside, this indicates serious problems, if it decreases, it indicates neuralgia or muscle problems.

Any kind of discomfort in the chest area should not be ignored. We should not forget that many pathologies proceed secretly, can be perceived by people as a result of fatigue after physical exertion. To prevent the development of serious life-threatening diseases, you should visit a cardiologist.