What could it mean if the heart suddenly hurts severely?
Dec 04, 2022
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Tian Hongbo
Introduction
Sudden severe heart pain is generally considered a symptom caused by lesions in the heart or nearby organs, commonly seen in conditions such as acute myocardial ischemia, pneumothorax, and pleurisy. Additionally, diseases like acute myocardial infarction, epidemic pleurodynia, and mediastinal tumors may also lead to sudden severe heart pain. It is important to seek timely medical evaluation and treatment at a hospital.
Sudden severe chest pain is generally considered a symptom caused by lesions in the heart or nearby organs, commonly seen in conditions such as acute myocardial ischemia, pneumothorax, and pleurisy.
1. Acute Myocardial Ischemia: This is mainly caused by narrowing or blockage of the coronary arteries, leading to acute insufficient blood supply and oxygen deprivation in the heart muscle, potentially resulting in tissue necrosis. It can trigger angina pectoris or myocardial infarction, causing chest pain. Under medical guidance, medications such as enteric-coated aspirin tablets and heparin may be used to prevent thrombosis. If drug therapy proves ineffective, procedures such as coronary angioplasty or coronary artery bypass surgery may be required.
2. Pneumothorax: This occurs when the pleural cavity is damaged due to various factors, allowing air to enter and rapidly increasing pressure within the pleural space. As a result, lung tissue becomes compressed, leading to varying degrees of cardiopulmonary dysfunction and restricted breathing. Clinical manifestations include chest pain, chest tightness, and difficulty breathing. Under medical supervision, symptoms can be alleviated through interventions such as thoracentesis (needle aspiration) or closed chest drainage.
3. Pleurisy: An inflammatory condition occurring within the pleural cavity that may cause symptoms such as fever, cough, chest pain, chest tightness, and shortness of breath. For cases caused by bacterial infection, antibiotic treatment under medical guidance—such as amoxicillin granules or ceftriaxone sodium injection—may be used. If pain is severe, analgesics like enteric-coated aspirin tablets or indomethacin capsules may be taken strictly as prescribed to relieve discomfort.
In addition, other conditions such as acute myocardial infarction, epidemic myalgia (pleurodynia), and mediastinal tumors can also cause sudden, intense chest pain. It is important to seek timely medical evaluation and treatment at a hospital.
