Stinging in the heart

When it comes to the subject Heart stitches fears of a heart attack build up in many of those affected - but mostly unfounded. The Stinging in the heart can have various causes, which are often not to be found in the medical field.

What is stinging in the heart?

Palpitations, also known as cardialgia, are usually cramp-like pain in the heart or chest area that originate from the heart. The pain can also radiate to the surrounding areas. The stinging often occurs very suddenly and also spontaneously subsides. Since the causes of stabbing heart pain can be very diverse, both the duration and intensity of the occurrence of the pain, as well as the frequency of occurrence of the heart attack are decisive for the cause research and diagnosis.

causes

Numerous triggers can and must be considered as the cause of heart pain. Mostly harmless and stress-independent heart pounding is often the result of muscle tension or a bad lifestyle (nicotine, alcohol, drugs, but also lack of sleep, caffeine and lack of exercise).

External pressure can pinch nerves in the rib area, which can also trigger heart stitches. Since these stitches cannot be precisely localized, it is often referred to as a stinging in the heart, as well as pain caused by a pulmonary embolism.

The psyche can also be responsible for the stinging in the heart. Panic attacks triggered by anxiety disorders often lead to incorrect breathing, which subsequently leads to heart pounding. The stinging is perceived as threatening again by those affected and again triggers a panic attack. There is also the possibility of heart phobia. Here the person concerned deals so intensively with the possibility of heart disease that actual heart stitches can be triggered.

If the heart attack occurs regularly or during physical exertion, a physical illness is suspected and must be clarified medically. An increased incidence of the stinging during exercise is an indication of angina pectoris, a disease of the heart muscle. In addition to the stinging, there is often a feeling of oppression.

Another possible cause is an incipient stroke, which can manifest itself in various symptoms: paralysis or numbness, headaches, dizziness, disorders of speech and vision, as well as heart pounding occur. An overactive thyroid can also accelerate the heartbeat and, as a result, cause heart pounding.

A heart attack is to be feared if the stinging lasts longer than 20 minutes and is accompanied by pain radiating to the arms, stomach and back, as well as shortness of breath and sweating.

Diseases with this symptom

• Angina pectoris
• Heart attack
• Heart failure
• Myocarditis

• Atrial fibrillation
• Aortic dissection
• Pericarditis
• Cardiac neurosis

• Aortic stenosis
• Mitral valve prolapse syndrome
• Tietze syndrome
• Roemheld Syndrome

Diagnosis & course

Everyone has palpitations in the course of their lives, although not all pain is the same. In order to determine whether it is a dangerous disease of the heart or not, medical examinations must be carried out.

Doctors can use the following methods to diagnose heart disease:

• Study of the patient's medical history

• Examination of accompanying symptoms such as shortness of breath, anxiety, loss of performance

• Listening to the chest with the stethoscope

• Electrocardiogram (EKG, heart rate measurement)

• Pulse and blood pressure measurement

• Blood tests

• Echocardiography (ultrasound scan of the heart)

Complications

Stinging in the heart is usually a relatively serious condition and should be treated quickly. Otherwise, in the worst case scenario, it could lead to a stroke or some other problem with the heart. The stinging can often be confused with a stinging in the chest, as these are regions that are very close together.

In this case, however, a doctor should be consulted in any case, as problems with the heart cannot be treated by yourself and require medical supervision. If the stinging in the heart is not treated properly or in a timely manner, it can, in the worst case, lead to death. The treatment usually uses drugs that change blood pressure to reduce the pounding of the heart.

Surgery must also be performed in emergencies. The side effects of the drugs are usually symptoms such as tiredness or a general feeling of illness. Heart surgery is very serious and can cause more pain in this area if the stinging of the heart is treated. If you experience this symptom, you should definitely not wait any longer for improvement and consult a doctor or the hospital immediately.

When should you go to the doctor?

Repeated stinging of the heart should always be clarified by a doctor first. A doctor's visit is particularly urgent if the cardiac stinging occurs at ever shorter intervals, increases in intensity or persists for more than a few minutes. A cardiologist should be consulted for further clarification, even if there is a slight stitch in the left breast. The symptoms may be due to a lung disease or diaphragmatic inflammation, which, if left untreated, can lead to complications.

A visit to the doctor is also recommended if the heart rate suddenly occurs, which is associated with pain and tightness in the chest. Anyone who has ever suffered a heart attack or stroke should call the emergency services immediately if they have sharp pain. In particular, accompanying symptoms such as shortness of breath, anxiety and sweating indicate a heart attack or stroke, which must be treated immediately by an emergency doctor. In general, the following applies: stinging in the heart must be clarified and treated as soon as possible in order to prevent a severe course.

Doctors & therapists in your area

Treatment & Therapy

With reference to the result of the diagnostic examination, it is up to the specialist (cardiologist) to find the appropriate treatment and therapy. If the palpitation occurs suddenly, a doctor must be consulted immediately. The sooner treatment can be started, for example in the case of a heart attack, the greater the chance of avoiding permanent damage and increasing the chances of survival.

If the muscles are tense, massage, acupuncture and relaxation techniques are prescribed. If you have a pinched nerve, a visit to a chiropractor is advisable. In addition, in the case of a heart attack caused by panic attacks, there is the option of using behavioral therapy to break the cycle of fear and pain.

If there is a more serious disease of the heart, depending on the type and severity, the heart pounding with appropriate medication. If this is not enough, surgical interventions can also be necessary to eliminate the cause of the stinging in the heart. An example of an operative method is the setting of a bypass.

Ultimately, the causes of heart attack are recognizable and treatable. In the case of more severe illness, the success of the therapy depends on rapid diagnosis and treatment.

Outlook & forecast

In the event of a stab in the heart, a doctor must be consulted immediately. This symptom is life-threatening and, in the worst case, can lead to a heart attack. Therefore, a doctor should always be called or consulted if the stinging of the heart occurs.

If the stinging in the heart is left untreated, a heart attack or other heart complication is very likely to occur. If the symptom or infarction is not treated quickly enough, in the worst case scenario, death can occur. After the infarction, the patient usually suffers from paralysis or other complaints.

The treatment is carried out when stinging in the heart either with the help of medication or through an operation. The symptom is not reversible. It is therefore not possible to completely contain the cause of the stinging in the heart, but the symptom itself can be limited.

In general, a healthy diet and lifestyle have a positive effect on the course of the disease. If the stinging in the heart occurs mainly after consuming alcohol and other drugs, they must be stopped.

In most cases, treatment leads to relief of the symptom and a positive course of the disease. However, no predictions can be made universally, as the course of the disease depends heavily on the further characteristics of the heart.

prevention

Since an actual disease of the heart often has serious consequences, it makes sense to prevent a stinging heart with a healthy diet (avoidance of alcohol, nicotine and drugs), with an active lifestyle and sporting activities to compensate for stress and to control weight. Regular monitoring of the heart's functions by the doctor can also prevent the development of serious heart disease.

You can do that yourself

Pricking in the heart can be a sign of serious heart disease and should be checked for medical attention immediately. Most of the time, however, these are harmless muscle contractions that can be reduced by relaxation measures. Tension can be relieved by massages, physiotherapy or acupuncture. Osteopathy also offers therapeutic approaches that promise rapid relief from symptoms.

Mentally caused palpitations as a result of psychological complaints can be reduced with the help of psychotherapeutic measures. Relaxation techniques to reduce stress such as autogenic training or progressive muscle relaxation also help. In the case of emotional stress, it is also advisable to talk to friends and family members.

Heartache as a result of alcohol and drug abuse should only be treated by a doctor. Stinging in the heart, which is associated with headache, dizziness, and numbness, suggests a stroke or heart attack. The first measure is therefore to call the rescue service. Then the clothes should be loosened and existing dentures removed. The upper body must be rested until the emergency doctor arrives. In the event of vomiting or loss of consciousness, the person concerned must be brought into a stable lateral position and treated with resuscitation measures.