Definition
Pulling in the chest is an unspecific symptom that can indicate various diseases. Behind it, besides serious diseases of the chest organs, there can also be harmless and superficial as well as easily treatable causes. Basically, a distinction must be made between whether the pulling in the chest is locally limited or spreads diffusely in the thorax.
Pulling can also be respiratory or permanent. Pain can also be provoked by effort, external pressure, certain movements and other factors. All this defines the unspecific pulling in the chest more closely and subsequently allows us to conclude on possible causes.
Causes
There are many possible causes for a pulling in the chest, both dangerous and harmless. The chest organs are protected from the outside by the rigid ribcage that forms the rib cage. The ribs are connected to each other at the sternum and to their respective vertebrae at the back.
Superficial pulling in the chest can be attributed to damage to the ribs such as contusions, a fracture or even serial fractures. These can occur as a result of falls and blows and can sometimes lead to severe, often breath-dependent pain. Corresponding nerves, the so-called “intercostal nerves”, continue to run along the individual ribs.
They can also be affected and lead to pulling pain. More rarely, diseases of the lungs, heart or some upper abdominal organs are behind the pulling in the chest. Acute, diffuse pulling and stabbing in the chest can be an important symptom of a fresh heart attack.
Often there is also a shortness of breath. Shortness of breath with chest pain can also indicate changes in the lungs such as tumors, smoking, pulmonary embolism and other diseases, some of which are acutely life-threatening. In the case of acute, diffuse and very severe pain associated with shortness of breath, threatening diseases of the chest organs must always be clarified by a doctor.
Heart attack
Heart attacks are a very common and life-threatening disease that affects many thousands of people every year in Germany. The disease is a problem of the industrial nations, as it is the end point of many social, avoidable diseases. During a heart attack, a blood clot blocks a narrowed coronary vessel.
As a result, the blood supply to the heart is interrupted, damaging heart muscle tissue. In severe cases, a heart attack can be fatal on the spot. Nowadays, the chances of survival increase due to modern therapy options.
The first symptom is a sudden, often extremely severe chest pain. This can feel like a stabbing sensation or a tightness in the chest. This is often accompanied by shortness of breath.
In some cases, the pain can radiate additionally into the arms, lower jaw, back and upper abdomen. Acute diffuse pulling in the chest can be an important and serious indication of such a heart attack.
- Signs of a heart attack
- Diagnosis of a heart attack
- How can you prevent a heart attack?
- Consequences of a heart attack
- Causes of a heart attack
