What causes sternum pain. How to identify symptoms of sternum pain. When to seek medical attention for chest discomfort. What are effective treatments for sternum pain. How to prevent recurrence of breastbone pain.

Understanding Sternum Pain: Anatomy and Common Causes

Sternum pain, also known as breastbone pain, can be a concerning symptom for many individuals. The sternum, a flat bone located in the center of the chest, plays a crucial role in protecting vital organs and connecting the rib cage. While chest pain may initially raise concerns about heart-related issues, sternum pain often has less serious causes.

Various factors can contribute to discomfort in the sternum area, including:

• Inflammation of surrounding tissues
• Musculoskeletal injuries
• Digestive issues
• Respiratory conditions
• Referred pain from other areas

Understanding the underlying causes of sternum pain is essential for proper diagnosis and treatment. Let’s explore some of the most common reasons for experiencing discomfort in this area.

Costochondritis: A Leading Cause of Sternum Pain

Costochondritis is the most frequent cause of sternum pain, characterized by inflammation of the cartilage connecting the ribs to the breastbone. This condition can result in sharp pains or aches in the sternum area, often exacerbated by coughing or deep breathing.

What are the typical symptoms of costochondritis?

• Localized pain in the chest wall
• Tenderness when pressing on the affected area
• Pain that worsens with certain movements or positions
• Discomfort that may radiate to the back or abdomen

While costochondritis can be uncomfortable, it is generally not a serious condition. However, persistent or severe pain should be evaluated by a healthcare professional to rule out other potential causes.

Musculoskeletal Injuries and Their Impact on Sternum Pain

Injuries to the muscles, bones, and joints surrounding the sternum can lead to significant discomfort. Common musculoskeletal causes of sternum pain include:

Sternoclavicular Joint Injury

The sternoclavicular (SC) joint connects the top of the sternum to the collarbone. Injury to this joint can result in pain and limited mobility in the upper chest area. Symptoms may include:

• Mild to moderate pain in the upper chest
• Swelling around the joint
• Clicking or popping sensations
• Stiffness and reduced shoulder movement

Collarbone Trauma

Injuries to the collarbone (clavicle) can directly affect the sternum due to their close anatomical relationship. Common signs of collarbone trauma include:

• Bruising and swelling in the collarbone area
• Pain when attempting to lift the arm
• Abnormal shoulder positioning
• Grinding or clicking sounds during movement

Sternum Fracture

A fractured sternum, often caused by blunt force trauma to the chest, can result in severe pain and breathing difficulties. Symptoms of a sternum fracture may include:

• Intense pain when breathing or coughing
• Shortness of breath
• Visible deformity or bruising on the chest
• Pain that worsens with upper body movement

Proper diagnosis and treatment of musculoskeletal injuries are crucial for alleviating sternum pain and preventing long-term complications.

Gastrointestinal Causes of Sternum Pain

The proximity of digestive organs to the sternum means that gastrointestinal issues can sometimes manifest as pain in the chest area. Two common digestive causes of sternum pain are:

Acid Reflux and GERD

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) occurs when stomach acid frequently flows back into the esophagus, causing irritation and discomfort. Symptoms of acid reflux that may be perceived as sternum pain include:

• Burning sensation in the chest (heartburn)
• Chest pain that worsens after eating or when lying down
• Difficulty swallowing
• Regurgitation of food or sour liquid

Hiatal Hernia

A hiatal hernia occurs when part of the stomach pushes through the diaphragm into the chest cavity. This condition can cause symptoms similar to GERD, including:

• Chest pain or pressure
• Frequent belching
• Difficulty swallowing
• Feeling of fullness in the upper abdomen

Identifying and addressing underlying digestive issues can significantly reduce sternum pain associated with these conditions.

Respiratory Conditions and Sternum Pain

Various respiratory conditions can cause discomfort in the chest area, including the sternum. Some respiratory causes of sternum pain include:

Pleurisy

Pleurisy is inflammation of the membranes surrounding the lungs. This condition can cause sharp chest pain that worsens with breathing. Symptoms of pleurisy may include:

• Sharp chest pain that increases when breathing deeply or coughing
• Shortness of breath
• Cough
• Fever (in some cases)

Pneumonia

Pneumonia, an infection that inflames the air sacs in the lungs, can cause chest pain and other symptoms such as:

• Cough with phlegm
• Fever and chills
• Difficulty breathing
• Fatigue and weakness

Proper diagnosis and treatment of respiratory conditions are essential for relieving associated sternum pain and preventing complications.

Cardiovascular Concerns: When Sternum Pain May Indicate Heart Problems

While most cases of sternum pain are not heart-related, it’s important to be aware of potential cardiovascular causes, especially in individuals with risk factors for heart disease. Cardiac conditions that may present with sternum pain include:

Angina

Angina is chest pain caused by reduced blood flow to the heart. Symptoms of angina may include:

• Pressure or squeezing sensation in the chest
• Pain that may radiate to the arms, neck, or jaw
• Shortness of breath
• Nausea or dizziness

Myocardial Infarction (Heart Attack)

A heart attack occurs when blood flow to part of the heart is blocked. While not all heart attacks cause sternum pain, it’s crucial to be aware of the potential symptoms:

• Chest pain or pressure that may last for several minutes
• Pain radiating to the arms, back, neck, or jaw
• Shortness of breath
• Cold sweats and nausea

If you experience sudden, severe chest pain or suspect a heart attack, seek emergency medical attention immediately.

Diagnosing the Cause of Sternum Pain

Accurately diagnosing the underlying cause of sternum pain is crucial for effective treatment. Healthcare providers may use various methods to determine the source of discomfort, including:

Physical Examination

A thorough physical exam can help identify signs of inflammation, injury, or other abnormalities in the chest area. The healthcare provider may:

• Palpate the sternum and surrounding areas
• Assess range of motion and pain with movement
• Listen to heart and lung sounds
• Check for signs of infection or systemic illness

Imaging Studies

Depending on the suspected cause, various imaging techniques may be employed:

• X-rays: To visualize bone structures and detect fractures or abnormalities
• CT scans: For more detailed images of soft tissues and organs
• MRI: To assess soft tissue injuries and inflammation

Laboratory Tests

Blood tests and other laboratory studies may be ordered to rule out certain conditions or assess overall health. These may include:

• Complete blood count (CBC) to check for signs of infection or inflammation
• Cardiac enzymes to evaluate for heart damage
• Inflammatory markers to assess for systemic inflammation

By combining these diagnostic approaches, healthcare providers can accurately identify the cause of sternum pain and develop an appropriate treatment plan.

Treatment Options for Sternum Pain

The treatment of sternum pain depends on its underlying cause. Here are some common approaches to managing various types of sternum discomfort:

Conservative Measures

For many cases of sternum pain, especially those related to minor injuries or inflammation, conservative treatments may be sufficient:

• Rest and activity modification
• Application of ice or heat
• Over-the-counter pain relievers (e.g., ibuprofen, acetaminophen)
• Gentle stretching and strengthening exercises

Medications

Depending on the cause and severity of pain, healthcare providers may recommend:

• Prescription-strength anti-inflammatory drugs
• Muscle relaxants
• Antacids or proton pump inhibitors for acid reflux-related pain

Physical Therapy

For musculoskeletal causes of sternum pain, physical therapy can be beneficial in:

• Improving posture and body mechanics
• Strengthening supporting muscles
• Enhancing flexibility and range of motion
• Reducing pain and inflammation

Interventional Procedures

In some cases, more invasive treatments may be necessary:

• Corticosteroid injections for severe inflammation
• Surgical repair for severe fractures or hernias
• Cardiac interventions for heart-related causes

The choice of treatment will depend on the specific diagnosis, severity of symptoms, and individual patient factors. Always consult with a healthcare professional for personalized treatment recommendations.

Preventing Recurrence of Sternum Pain

While not all causes of sternum pain are preventable, there are steps you can take to reduce the risk of recurrence or exacerbation:

Lifestyle Modifications

• Practice good posture to reduce strain on the chest muscles and joints
• Use proper form during exercise and physical activities
• Avoid heavy lifting or activities that put excessive stress on the chest area
• Maintain a healthy weight to reduce pressure on the chest and abdomen

Dietary Changes

For those with acid reflux-related sternum pain:

• Avoid trigger foods such as spicy, fatty, or acidic foods
• Eat smaller, more frequent meals
• Avoid lying down immediately after eating
• Limit alcohol and caffeine consumption

Stress Management

Chronic stress can exacerbate many health conditions, including those that cause sternum pain. Consider incorporating stress-reducing activities such as:

• Regular exercise
• Meditation or mindfulness practices
• Deep breathing exercises
• Engaging in hobbies or relaxing activities

Regular Check-ups

Maintain regular appointments with your healthcare provider to monitor any ongoing conditions and address new concerns promptly. This can help prevent the development or worsening of conditions that may lead to sternum pain.

By implementing these preventive measures and working closely with your healthcare team, you can reduce the likelihood of experiencing recurrent sternum pain and improve your overall quality of life.

Sternum Pain: What Is It?

Pain in your sternum, or breastbone, may be caused by a number of things, including inflammation, a joint or collarbone injury, and acid reflux. Pain in your sternum may also happen with a heart attack, but this is more likely if you’re over the age of 40 and have heart disease.

Your sternum, or breastbone, connects the two sides of your rib cage together. It sits in front of many major organs located in your chest and gut, including your heart, lungs, and stomach. As a result, many conditions that don’t necessarily have anything to do with your sternum may cause pain in your sternum and the surrounding area.

Your first reaction to chest pain, especially severe or consistent chest pain, may be to think it’s a heart attack. But in many cases, chest pain has nothing to do with your heart. This is especially true if you’re under age 40 and don’t have any serious health issues or existing conditions.

Sternum pain is actually more likely caused by conditions that have to do with your muscles, your bones, or your digestive tract than with your heart or the sternum itself.

Keep reading to learn the most common reasons for sternum pain and when you should see your doctor.

The most common cause of sternum pain is a condition called costochondritis. This occurs when the cartilage that connects your ribs to your sternum becomes inflamed.

Symptoms of costochondritis include:

• sharp pains or aches on the side of your sternum area
• pain or discomfort in one or more ribs
• pain or discomfort that gets worse when you cough or breathe in deeply

Costochondritis doesn’t always have a specific cause, but it’s most often a result of a chest injury, strain from physical activity, or joint conditions like osteoarthritis. Costochondritis isn’t a serious condition and shouldn’t cause you to be concerned.

See your doctor if the pain persists or if you have other symptoms that might indicate a more serious underlying condition.

Conditions or injuries to the muscles and bones around your sternum can also cause sternum pain.

This includes:

• joint injury
• collarbone (clavicle) injury
• fractures
• hernias
• surgery on the sternum (such as open heart surgery)

These aren’t the only musculoskeletal conditions that may make your sternum hurt, but they’re among the most common.

Sternoclavicular joint injury

The sternoclavicular joint (SC joint) connects the top of your sternum with your collarbone (clavicle). Injury to this joint can cause pain and discomfort in your sternum and in the area in your upper chest where this joint exists.

Common symptoms of injury to this joint include:

• feeling mild pain or having aching and swelling around your upper chest and collarbone area
• hearing pops or clicks in the joint area
• feeling stiff around the joint or not being able to fully move your shoulder

Collarbone trauma

The collarbone is directly connected to your sternum, so injuries, dislocation, fractures, or other trauma to the collarbone can affect the sternum.

Common symptoms of collarbone trauma include:

• bruises or bumps around area of collarbone injury
• intense pain when you try to move your arm upwards
• swelling or tenderness around collarbone area
• pops, clicks, or grinding noises when you lift your arm
• abnormal frontward sagging of your shoulder

Sternum fracture

Fracturing your sternum can cause a lot of pain, because your sternum is involved in many of your upper body movements. This type of injury is often caused by blunt force injuries to your chest. Examples of this include your seat belt tightening in a car accident or your chest getting hit while you’re playing sports or doing other high-impact physical activity.

Common symptoms include:

• pain when you breathe in or cough
• difficulty breathing
• pops, clicks, or grinding noises when you move your arms
• swelling and tenderness over the sternum

Muscle strain or hernia

Pulling or straining a muscle in your chest can cause pain around your sternum.

Common symptoms of a pulled muscle include:

• pain around the pulled muscle
• discomfort when using the affected muscle
• bruising or tenderness around the affected muscle

A hernia can also cause sternum pain. A hernia happens when an organ is pushed or pulled from the area where it normally sits into a nearby part of the body.

The most common kind is a hiatal hernia. This happens when your stomach moves up past your diaphragm into your chest cavity.

Common symptoms of a hiatal hernia include:

• frequent burping
• heartburn
• having trouble swallowing
• feeling like you ate too much
• throwing up blood
• having black-colored stool

Check out: Muscle strain treatment »

Your sternum sits right in front of several major digestive organs. Conditions that affect your esophagus, stomach, and intestines can all cause sternum pain. Having heartburn or acid reflux after a meal are the most common gastrointestinal causes for sternum pain.

Heartburn

Heartburn happens when acid from your stomach leaks into your esophagus and causes chest pain. It’s common to get right after you eat. Pain usually gets worse when you lie down or bend forward.

Heartburn usually goes away without treatment after a short time.

Check out: Post-meal tips to ease heartburn »

Acid reflux

Acid reflux is similar to heartburn, but happens when stomach acid or even what’s in your stomach starts to bother or wear away the lining of your esophagus. It can be part of a chronic condition called gastroesophageal reflux disease.

Symptoms of acid reflux include:

• burning in your chest
• abnormal bitter taste in your mouth
• difficulty swallowing
• coughing
• throat soreness or hoarseness
• feeling like you have a lump in your throat

Learn more: How to prevent acid reflux and heartburn »

Conditions that affect your lungs, windpipe (trachea), and other parts of your body that help you breathe can cause sternum pain.

Pleurisy

Pleurisy happens when your pleura gets inflamed. The pleura is made up of tissue within your chest cavity and around your lungs. In some cases, fluid can build up around this tissue. This is called pleural effusion.

Common symptoms include:

• sharp pain when you breathe in, sneeze, or cough
• feeling like you can’t get enough air
• an abnormal cough
• fever (in rare cases)

Bronchitis

Bronchitis happens when the bronchial tubes that bring air into your lungs become inflamed. It often happens when you get the flu or a cold.

Bronchitis pain can also make your sternum hurt as you breathe in and out. It can last only briefly (acute bronchitis) or become a long-term condition (chronic bronchitis) due to smoking or infections.

Common bronchitis symptoms include:

• persistent wet cough that causes you to spit up mucus
• wheezing
• difficulty breathing
• pain or discomfort in your chest

Flu or cold symptoms that can go along with bronchitis include:

• high fever
• exhaustion
• runny nose
• diarrhea
• vomiting

Check out: 7 home remedies for bronchitis »

Pneumonia

Pneumonia happens when your lungs get infected by a virus or bacteria.

Common symptoms of pneumonia include:

• difficulty breathing
• high fever
• persistent cough

Other conditions that affect your gastrointestinal tract or your chest muscles can cause sternum pain.

Stomach ulcer

A stomach ulcer (peptic ulcer) happens when you get a sore on the lining of your stomach or at the bottom of your esophagus.

Symptoms of a stomach ulcer include:

• stomach pain, especially on an empty stomach, that responds to antacids
• feeling bloated
• nausea
• lack of appetite

Panic attack

A panic attack happens when you suddenly feel fear, as if something dangerous or threatening is happening, with no actual reason to be afraid. It’s often a result of stress or a symptom of mental health conditions, such as generalized anxiety disorder or depression.

Symptoms of a panic attack include:

• feeling like something bad is about to happen
• feeling dizzy or lightheaded
• having trouble breathing or swallowing
• sweating
• feeling alternately hot and cold
• stomach cramps
• chest pain

Check out: 11 ways to stop a panic attack »

Sternum pain can sometimes be the result of a heart attack. This is much less likely if you’re under age 40 or are in overall good health. They’re more likely to happen if you’re over 40 and have an existing condition, such as heart disease.

A heart attack is life-threatening. You should go to the emergency room right away if you have any symptoms besides sternum pain that may indicate a heart attack, especially if they appear without any obvious cause or if you’ve had a heart attack before.

Symptoms of a heart attack include:

• chest pain in the middle or left side of your chest
• pain or discomfort in your upper body, including your arms, shoulder, and jaw
• feeling dizzy or lightheaded
• having trouble breathing
• sweating
• nausea

The more of these symptoms you have, the more likely that you’re having a heart attack.

See your doctor right away if you have heart attack symptoms or symptoms that cause you sharp, consistent pain that gets in the way of your daily life.

You should also see your doctor if you have any of the following symptoms:

• sternum and general chest pain that has no obvious cause
• sweating, dizziness, or nausea with no specific cause
• trouble breathing
• pain that spreads from your chest throughout your upper body
• chest tightness

If you’re experiencing other symptoms and they last for more than a few days, talk to your doctor.

You can find a primary care doctor near you through the Healthline FindCare tool.

Your next steps depend on what condition might be causing your sternum pain and how severe the condition is.

You may just need to take over-the-counter pain medication or change your diet. But you may need long-term treatment if the underlying condition is more serious. In some cases, you may need surgery to treat a heart or gastrointestinal condition.

Once your doctor diagnoses the cause, they can develop a treatment plan that can help relieve the symptoms and causes of your sternum pain.

Top 7 Causes of Sternum Pain | How to Get Relief

6 most common causes

Osteoarthritis

Acute Costochondritis

Illustration of a health care worker swabbing an individual.

Heart Attack

Illustration of a person thinking with cross bandaids.

Pleurisy

Illustration of a person thinking with cross bandaids.

Sternum fracture

Sternum pain quiz

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Most common questions

Sternum pain can be caused by a variety of conditions, some of which are serious. Some common causes of sternum pain include inflammation, arthritis, muscle strain, heartburn and acid reflux, heart attack, and sternum injury.

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If your sternum pain is severe, radiating to other parts of the body, or accompanied by symptoms such as shortness of breath, nausea, sweating, or dizziness, it could be a sign of a heart attack or other serious condition and requires immediate medical attention.

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If the pain is from a minor known injury and can be managed with rest, ice, and over-the-counter medications, seeing a doctor may not be necessary. If the cause of your sternum pain is unknown, or if it persists despite at-home care, it is a good idea to see a doctor for further evaluation and treatment. If the sternum pain is severe, worsening, or accompanied by other symptoms such as shortness of breath, nausea, or sweating, you should seek medical attention immediately.

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The treatment for sternum pain might include rest, gentle stretching, anti-inflammatory medications, steroid medications, lifestyle and diet changes, pain medication, or in some cases surgery. Treatment depends on the underlying cause, so it is important to consult a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment plan. If your sternum pain is severe, worsening, or accompanied by other symptoms such as shortness of breath, nausea, or sweating, you should seek medical attention immediately.

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The sternum, also known as the breastbone, is the long, flat bone in the middle of your chest. You can have pain in this area because of infection, inflammation, injury, or the breakdown of cartilage affecting the sternum itself.

Problems with nearby organs like the heart, lungs, and esophagus can also cause pain in this area. This includes a heart attack, pleurisy (a lung inflammation), and acid reflux.

Usually, if the pain is in the actual sternum, you’ll have sharp pain when you push in the middle of your chest. But because the symptoms of chest bone pain are so similar to other causes of chest pain, you might need to have tests to check for heart attack and other serious conditions.

If your problem is just with your actual sternum, you may feel better with rest, gentle stretching, and anti-inflammatory medications. But if there are other issues, you might need prescription medications, joint injections, or surgery.

Causes of sternum pain

1. Costochondritis

Symptoms

• Pain in the sternum, usually sharp
• Worsening pain with deep breathing or movement
• Pushing or pressure on the sternum is painful.

Costochondritis is inflammation of the cartilage that links your ribs to your sternum. It’s the most common cause of chest bone pain. Usually you feel pain when you push on the sides of your sternum. In many cases, the cause is unknown, but it is sometimes related to exercise or a recent illness.

Because costochondritis feels so much like more serious causes of sternum pain, you should see a doctor. They will probably do a chest X-ray and an electrocardiogram (EKG), which will be normal if it’s costochondritis.

Usually, costochondritis gets better with rest and gentle stretching. But if you are very uncomfortable, ice and anti-inflammatory medication can help. If the pain is severe, you may need a steroid injection.

Dr. Rx

If you have costochondritis or a muscle strain, ask your doctor how long your symptoms might last, and how you can manage your symptoms. It’s a relief to be diagnosed with a non-life-threatening condition, but it doesn’t mean that your pain goes away immediately! There are things you can do to control the pain. —Dr. Anne Jacobsen

2. Sternoclavicular arthritis

Symptoms

• Pain at the top of the sternum
• Worsening pain with activity
• Swelling and tenderness
• Pain radiating into the arms

Osteoarthritis is a breakdown of joint cartilage over time. The sternoclavicular joint is where the top of the sternum (breastbone) meets the clavicle (collarbone).

Osteoarthritis in this area can cause pain in the sternum, especially near the top part. It happens as you age, but it might occur earlier if you had a previous injury in that area. Because this is the area where your torso connects to your arms, this joint works hard. A study in the Journal of Clinical Rheumatology found that 90% of people over the age of 60 have osteoarthritis in this joint, but not all have symptoms.

Your doctor may order X-rays, a CT scan, or an MRI to diagnose sternoclavicular arthritis. Rest and anti-inflammatory medication may help you feel better. Some people may need joint injections with steroid medications. When sternum pain is severe, you may need surgery.

3. Muscle strain

Symptoms

• Sharp or achy pain in the sternum
• Worsening pain with movement
• Muscle spasm
• Bruising or tenderness of a chest wall muscle

A strained or pulled muscle in the chest wall can cause chest bone pain. This injury is caused by overuse or repetitive movement, an increase in activity level, or a sudden improper movement. Pulled muscles can also happen during an illness that causes coughing or vomiting.

Rest, ice, and over-the-counter pain medications can relieve muscle strain. But in more severe cases, you may need physical therapy or surgery.

4. Heartburn and acid reflux

Symptoms

• Burning pain in the chest, abdomen, or throat after eating
• Pain in the sternum
• Bad breath or bad taste in your mouth

Heartburn is a brief burning pain in your throat, chest, or abdomen that is caused by stomach acid. When it happens frequently, it can be a sign of acid reflux.

Both heartburn and reflux are caused by a problem with the sphincter (ring of muscles) that separates the esophagus from the stomach. When the sphincter doesn’t close tightly or opens too frequently, stomach acid or food can travel out of the stomach back into the esophagus.

Heartburn can also be caused by a hiatal hernia, which happens when part of the stomach slips through a hole in the diaphragm (the muscle that separates the chest from the abdomen).

Certain foods and drinks, including spicy or fatty foods, alcohol, and coffee, can trigger heartburn. Overweight people and pregnant women have a higher risk for reflux.

Your doctor may prescribe changes to your lifestyle and diet, medications, and sometimes surgery.

5. Pleurisy

Symptoms

• Sharp sternum pain
• Worsening pain with breathing and coughing
• Pain may go away when you hold your breath
• Cough and fever

The lungs and the inside of the chest are covered with a thin protective tissue called the pleura. Pleurisy is inflammation and swelling of this tissue. A viral or bacterial lung infection, autoimmune disease, or other conditions in the lungs or chest can cause pleurisy.

Rest, over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications (ibuprofen), and sometimes antibiotics can help you get better.

6. Heart attack

Symptoms

• Pain or pressure under the sternum
• Pain radiating to the arm or jaw
• Shortness of breath
• Nausea
• Sweating

Some people having a heart attack experience chest pain in or under the sternum. A heart attack is a blockage in an artery of the heart, which prevents blood and oxygen from reaching that area. It is caused by a blood clot that travels from a fatty buildup (plaque), inside the artery.

Heart attack can be life-threatening and requires immediate treatment. When you go to the ER for sternum pain, you’ll likely have tests like an EKG, blood tests, and a chest X-ray.

Treatment should begin as soon as possible after symptoms start, so call 9-1-1, if your pain could be heart related. You may get medications or have a procedure like a heart catheterization with balloon or stent treatments to open up your arteries. Severe cases may need surgery to create a bypass around the blocked artery.

7. Sternum fracture

Symptoms

• Pain in the sternum
• Worsening pain when breathing, coughing, or moving
• Swelling and tenderness of the sternum

Sternum fracture is a break in the sternum bone. This usually only happens in a serious trauma, like a car accident or falls from a high height. Seatbelts save lives in car accidents, but they cross over the sternum, which can fracture it in a high-impact crash.

Because breaking the bone requires such force, doctors will order additional CT scans to check for injuries to the vital organs behind the sternum, including the heart, lungs, and major blood vessels.

Ice, over-the-counter pain medications, and, sometimes, prescription pain medications may relieve your sternum pain. You may need surgery to fix the break or to treat other injuries inside the chest.

Pro Tip

A number of the conditions mentioned here (for instance, costochondritis, muscle strain, and pleurisy) are what doctors refer to as a “diagnosis of exclusion. ” This means that there’s not one specific test to make the diagnosis and that the symptoms can mimic the symptoms of other serious conditions. Once we rule out anything serious, we treat the non-serious problem that is most likely. —Dr. Jacobsen

Other possible causes

Other conditions that may cause pain near the sternum include:

• Pneumonia or bronchitis
• A blood clot in the lung (pulmonary embolism)
• Anxiety
• Tumors
• Patients who have had open heart surgery may have chronic pain in the sternum because doctors have to split this bone in half to perform the procedure.
• Some people have genetic conditions that cause the sternum to sink into the chest or to jut forward, and this may cause pain.

When to call the doctor

• Pain in the sternum from a minor injury
• Pain is not controlled with rest, ice, and over-the-counter medications.

Should I go to the ER for sternum pain?

Because these conditions may have overlapping symptoms, many people with pain in the sternum will need to be tested for a heart attack. You should go to the ER immediately if you have any of the following:

• Sternum or chest bone pain that isn’t from a minor injury
• Pain radiating to your arms, jaw, or back
• Shortness of breath, nausea, sweating, or dizziness
• Pain related to a car accident or other traumatic injury

Pro Tip

Pain in the sternum is a complaint where we really need to consider every piece of evidence to feel confident making the right diagnosis. Bloodwork shows if there is injury to the heart muscle or an infection. An EKG shows if there are electrical changes from a heart attack. A chest x-ray or CT scan can show some infections. —Dr. Jacobsen

Treatments

At-home care

If you had a minor injury or if your doctor has ruled out serious causes of your pain, try the following:

• Rest
• Ice
• Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory or pain medications

Other treatment options

• Prescription medications like antibiotics or heart medications
• Joint injection
• Physical therapy
• Surgery

Anne Jacobsen, MD.

Community Emergency Medicine Physician, Kansas City

Dr. Jacobsen is a board-certified Emergency Medicine physician and writer for Buoy Health. She received her undergraduate degrees in Chemistry and Biology from Macalester College (2006) and graduated from the University of Kansas School of Medicine (2010). She completed an Emergency Medicine residency program at the University of Missouri-Kansas City (2013). She practices community Emergency Medic…

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Tactics of behavior in case of chest pain and risk factors for myocardial infarction – Prevention of diseases and healthy lifestyle – Budgetary institution of the Khanty-Mansiysk Autonomous Okrug – Yugra

The most common cause of chest pain is angina pectoris or “angina pectoris”.

Angina pectoris is a form of coronary heart disease (CHD), the obvious signs of which are considered to be pain in the heart and shortness of breath. This pathology occurs against the background of a violation of the supply of the heart with a sufficient amount of blood, which is a consequence of the defeat of the coronary arteries by atherosclerosis.

Since this pathology is one of the forms of coronary artery disease, if it is present, there is an obstruction in one or both coronary arteries, which prevents the blood from circulating normally. This condition is accompanied by attacks of myocardial ischemia, that is, a lack of oxygen in the heart muscle.

The most obvious sign indicating the development of angina pectoris is considered to be the so-called imbalance between the need of the heart muscle for oxygen and the supply of oxygen to the region of the heart. To put it simply, the patient’s heart receives much less amount of blood than he needs.

Lack of oxygen makes itself felt at the moment of physical activity – that is why in patients with this pathology attacks develop during physical work or under the influence of a stressful situation.

Painful sensations resemble seizures. Pain during such attacks is simply unbearable – it seems to burn, press and compress, it arises in the area behind the sternum and radiates to the left shoulder or to the whole arm. Very common pain is also accompanied by strong anxiety, and fear : a person is trying to find a place for himself, he is holding on to his left chest and cannot fully understand what is happening.

In the case of the initial forms of the development of the disease, pain recedes within one to five minutes after taking the drug. If the pain does not disappear after this period of time, then this is a signal that the disease has acquired a more severe course, and, therefore, the chances of developing a myocardial infarction are high.

In most cases, just one tablet of Nitroglycerin helps to forget about the pain. If one tablet is not enough to get rid of pain, it means that the risk of developing myocardial infarction is increased.

At the first manifestations of retrosternal pain, you should immediately consult a doctor. It should not be thought that young age excludes the possibility of angina pectoris, or that burning behind the sternum when running or walking quickly uphill cannot be a sign of “angina pectoris” in a person involved in sports.

During an attack, the following measures are recommended for immediate relief of pain:

• create physical and psycho-emotional rest for the patient: lie down, sit down, or stop if chest pains appear during exercise;
• urgently needs to take 1 tablet of nitroglycerin under the tongue. The analgesic effect of nitroglycerin usually occurs within 1-5 minutes. To stop an attack, 1-2 tablets of nitroglycerin are enough.
• if the attack drags on (lasts 15-20 minutes) and repeated doses of nitroglycerin are ineffective, you should immediately call an ambulance.

Do not self-medicate. If you do not promptly consult a doctor and do not start the prescribed treatment, the disease progresses.

Under the conditions of “oxygen starvation” with pain, myocardial cells can live for 20-30 minutes . Then they die. This is a heart attack, a site of necrosis in the tissue of the heart. A scar remains on the affected area.

There are risk factors for myocardial infarction , the elimination of which significantly reduces the risk of its development: smoking, high levels of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and hypercholesterolemia, arterial hypertension.

For the first time chest pain or shortness of breath on previously well tolerated exertion, an urgent need to consult a cardiologist. The District Cardiological Dispensary has the whole range of diagnostic procedures necessary in this case: all currently known methods for diagnosing coronary heart disease, both performed on an outpatient basis and in a hospital.

Experienced cardiologists of the District Cardiology Dispensary evaluate the patient’s condition and decide where to conduct examinations. In some cases of severe manifestation of the disease or ineffectiveness of medical treatment, cardiologists organize the hospitalization of patients in a specialized department, also located in the cardio center. Thus, patients receive the whole range of diagnostic and therapeutic measures in one center, which is an exclusive offer in the city of Surgut.

A.A. Seitov, cardiologist, head of the emergency cardiology department of the KhMAO-Yugra OKD “CD and SSH”

Girdle pain in the chest area: causes, treatment

Any person can face a sharp, acute or aching girdle pain under the chest – from a child of preschool age to a pensioner. Often such a condition – especially if it arose suddenly, recurs on a regular basis, causes physical and psychological discomfort, deprives freedom of movement – makes you nervous. If this ailment is not a consequence, for example, of an injury received while playing sports, then you should not hope that the girdle pain in the chest area will go away by itself. Be sure to see a doctor.

Girdle chest pain: causes

A competent specialist will definitely identify what provoked the problem, focusing on the symptoms you indicated, as well as on the results of some studies (examinations, tests, etc.). As a rule, girdle pain, localized under the breast, can indicate a number of diseases. Sometimes it is easy to identify them, while in other cases it takes a lot of time to make a diagnosis. Since the clinical picture and symptoms of each disease are different, it is worth considering in more detail each cause.

Spinal problems

Pathologies associated with the spine are the most common cause of girdle pain in the chest. In addition to scoliosis, a disease that is now observed in more than half of the population of Russia, the causes can also be various kinds of hernias, protrusions, neuralgia, osteochondrosis, which affect the back, but often go to the chest area or under the ribs. Depending on the disease, not only the chest can hurt. The pain syndrome can radiate to the arm and shoulder blade, if there is a hernia, the back hurts, and when coughing, the pain intensifies.

Diseases of the gastrointestinal tract

Girdle pain that appears in the chest area is often included in the symptoms of diseases of the digestive system, which are located in the upper left and right quadrants of the abdominal cavity. This includes the intestines, stomach and pancreas, liver. Depending on the disease – rupture of the esophagus, pancreatitis, renal colic, ulcers and other pathologies – in addition to chest pain, the back or stomach area may hurt, heartburn, nausea and other unpleasant symptoms are noted

Diseases and pathologies of the heart

Acute girdle chest pain, observed at the level of the heart or around it, often signals ailments that develop in one of the main organs of our body. It can be angina pectoris, myocardial infarction, pericarditis and other heart diseases. Almost all of these conditions pose a huge threat to life, especially for older patients. Urgently see a specialist, delay can cost you dearly!

Respiratory diseases

Pleurisy, pulmonary tuberculosis, pneumonia – because of these diseases, it is not only difficult for a person to breathe: in the vast majority of cases, the symptoms expand, and pathological mucous, purulent or bloody discharge from the respiratory tract is noted, and girdle pain occurs under the chest.

Oncological diseases

Malignant tumors located in the lungs, liver, stomach and other organs adjacent to the chest, as well as metastases formed here, provoke burning, piercing pains under the breasts. Symptoms are typical for stage 2-4 cancer, when only chemotherapy or strong painkillers can help.

Injuries

Usually they are “earned” by professional athletes, but ordinary people are not immune from accidents. At risk are pensioners, postmenopausal women (the amount of calcium in the body decreases), patients with osteoporosis, newborns and children of primary preschool age.

Gestational period

The aching nature of girdle pain at the level of the chest is a frequent companion of the third trimester of pregnancy, when the fetus becomes so large that it presses on the organs adjacent to the enlarged uterus, and its movements cause discomfort to the woman.

How to relieve pain. First Aid

Almost all specialists who are directly or indirectly related to medicine will recommend that you first consult a doctor or call an ambulance team. But what to do if there is no such opportunity at the moment? Any anesthetic that suits you will help relieve an attack of girdle pain in the chest area. Among the most common are Ibuprofen (Nurofen) or Paracetamol, Drotaverine (No-Shpa). Remember that a number of diseases do not tolerate delay: for example, if you suspect a myocardial infarction, you should immediately call an ambulance.

Diagnosis

When you first contact your Neurologist , you will be assigned a series of examinations, including a visual examination, palpation, and referrals for blood and urine tests. In addition, any responsible specialist will definitely prescribe an ultrasound, x-ray or MRI to verify their assumptions. In the event that girdle pain under the breast has a physiological cause (during pregnancy) and is not associated with pathologies, medications allowed during the period of bearing a child will be recommended.

Which doctor should I contact?

cardiologists , gastroenterologists , surgeons, oncologists or pulmonologists can deal with this problem. But most likely, the therapist will refer you to narrow specialists : it is best to contact him if you do not understand what provoked the occurrence of girdle pain around the chest. The clinic “Energo” employs experienced doctors with many years of experience. These specialists are able to solve even the most complex problems, help patients quickly and with minimal losses to cope with the disease that struck them. Turning to us, you can be sure that assistance will be provided at the highest level and without delay.