Symptoms of a Myocardial Contusion

Myocardial contusion is a bruise of the heart muscle. The condition is brought on by trauma, such as a car accident in which the driver's chest hits the steering wheel hard. Other causes might include falls from significant heights or pressure from cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Although most patients suffer no complications, symptoms of a myocardial contusion should not be ignored because the damage sometimes leads to a heart attack.

Symptoms

• Myocardial contusion has few symptoms. Pain in the breastbone or in front of the ribs is a red flag for possible heart muscle trauma. Sufferers also can experience a racing heartbeat. Other symptoms can include lightheadedness, nausea, vomiting, shortness of breath or weakness.

Signs Upon Physician Examination

• A doctor might detect scrapes on or bruising of the chest wall. He might confirm a fast or irregular heartbeat, low blood pressure, rapid or shallow breathing or abnormal chest wall movement if rib fractures are a cause of the contusion. After further testing, possibly including blood tests or chest X-rays, the doctor also might detect abnormal blood or fluid around the heart and a problem with the heart's electrical system.

Treatment and Recovery

• Patients are normally kept for a 24-hour observation period with continual heart monitoring. Pain medications are provided for chest pain. Patients with mild cases of myocardial contusion recover fully with no complications. More severe cases can lead to heart attack or abnormal heart rhythm, which in turn might lead to heart failure or stroke.

Prevention

• Avoidance of blunt trauma to the chest is key to preventing myocardial contusion. Take appropriate safety measures when working at heights above 20 feet to prevent falls. To help prevent trauma from an automobile accident, wear a seat belt and purchase a car with working air bags.