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Pressure in the sternum can have many causes, ranging from prosaic vitamin deficiency to ischemic heart disease. For this reason, the characteristic stinging in the chest area should not be taken lightly. We decided to take a closer look at the pain in the sternum, as well as the causes of stinging in the chest.
- Pressure in the sternum is most often associated with a sick heart, and more specifically – with a heart attack
- It is worth knowing, however, that pressure in the sternum can have a number of other causes – for example, excessive stress or overeating
- Each such ailment should be consulted with a doctor
- More information can be found on the TvoiLokony home page
Oppression in the sternum – what does it mean?
Pressure in the sternum is a common symptom with which patients, regardless of age, consult a doctor. The discomfort in the chest area can be described as pressure, but also as pain, tearing or tearing. Based on the description, as well as additional symptoms, the doctor assesses what is wrong with the patient. The pressure in the sternum can be caused by overeating or a vitamin deficiency. It also indicates diseases of the cardiovascular system, respiratory system or excessive stress accompanying the patient on a daily basis.
Do you have worrying symptoms? Go online for an online teleconsultation with your GP today. You will receive comprehensive support there and find out what the cause of your ailments may be.
Sternum pressure and heart disease
When we feel pressure in the sternum, we fear most that it may be caused by heart disease. Sharp pain that leads to fainting, which also radiates to your back, is one of the symptoms of a dissecting thoracic aortic aneurysm. With pericarditis, the pain increases when you eat, breathe, or lie down. A heart attack is characterized by a sudden pressure that radiates towards the lower jaw and the left shoulder. Pain is accompanied by excessive sweating, paleness, wheezing and shortness of breath.
Pressure in the sternum may be linked to heart disease. To make sure that you care for your heart properly, do a preventive checkup. It is worth doing this at the first disturbing symptoms.
Oppression in the sternum and stress
Pressure in the sternum can also be caused by excessive stress. The nervousness leads to a characteristic contraction. It can be accompanied by the inability to catch the breath, as well as insomnia. In this situation, elimination of stressors is necessary. If the pressure persists for several days, go to a specialist who will prescribe the appropriate pharmacological treatment.
Are you seeing disturbing symptoms? Analyze them yourself in the medical questionnaire and decide whether to go to the doctor.
- Not only pain in the sternum area. Can you recognize the symptoms of a heart attack? [QUIZ]
Sternum pressure and lung diseases
The pressure in the sternum may be caused by respiratory diseases. It accompanies pneumonia. Pain is accompanied by coughing, shortness of breath and tachycardia, which means that the heart beats faster. Shortness of breath and stinging in the chest radiating to the arm, abdomen or neck is a symptom of pneumothorax.
Sternum pressure and digestive system diseases
If the pressure in the sternum is also accompanied by a sore throat, it is worth examining the goiter of the thyroid gland. Especially if the results of a comprehensive cardiac examination remain normal and the discomfort continues. The same symptoms may accompany gastric reflux disease. Additionally, hoarseness and dry cough appear. Peptic ulcer disease, acute pancreatitis, rupture of the esophagus or impaired motor function are also characterized by stabbing in the sternum.
Pressure in the sternum in children
Pressure in the sternum in children is rarely associated with heart disease. Nevertheless, it is worth being vigilant, because a heart attack can occur in people under 20 years of age. More often, however, chest pain in children is associated with respiratory diseases or dysfunctions in the musculoskeletal system.