Kristeen Moore defines that myocardial contusion is a bruise of the heart muscle that can occur as a result of serious bodily injury. A car accident, falling from a height of more than 20 feet, and receiving chest compressions during cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) are the most common causes. Infarction should not be confused with a myocardial contusion. A myocardial infarction, also known as a heart attack, occurs when the heart muscle is severely damaged due to a lack of blood flow. Myocardial contusions can range in severity from mild to severe. Moreover, each contusion must be evaluated by a medical professional. This condition can cause complications if left untreated, especially if it is severe.
What Does a Myocardial Contusion Feel Like? A myocardial contusion can cause a variety of symptoms, according to WebMD. Pain and bruising around the breastbone or ribs, chest injuries, shortness of breath, sweaty, cool, or bluish skin, dangerously low blood pressure, abnormal heart rhythm, pounding, racing, or irregular heartbeats, and shock are all possible symptoms. Your doctor will examine you and listen to your symptoms. If your ribs are broken or your lung is punctured, they'll look for irregular heartbeat, low blood pressure, shallow, rapid breathing, chest tenderness, bruises or scrapes on your chest, and a crunching sensation.
The treatment you receive is determined by your injuries. According to Kristeen Moore, electrocardiograms are sometimes performed for 24 hours to monitor the heart on a continuous basis. If you're having trouble breathing, emergency treatment may include oxygen. If unusual symptoms are discovered, you may be referred for further testing. This includes heart blood drainage, blood vessel surgery, chest tube placement to prevent fluid buildup in the chest, and pacemaker placement to help regulate the heartbeat. To help relieve pain, over-the-counter medications such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) and ibuprofen (Advil) may be prescribed. Before using, consult your doctor, especially if you're pregnant or taking any other pain medications.
Myocardial contusions are usually treatable. The most common cases are mild, with high recovery rates. If your injury is severe, however, you may face additional health problems. Serious injuries are often fatal. How can I avoid a myocardial infarction? Accidents cannot always be avoided, and serious injuries can strike without warning. You can, however, take steps to lower your risk of accidents and subsequent heart injuries. Always use safety precautions, such as wearing a seat belt and choosing a vehicle with airbags. If you're working at a height, you should also wear a safety harness.
PNFP Marie-Claire Gaas, RND
References:
- Contusion of Heart (Myocardial Contusion)
Medically reviewed by Gerhard Whitworth, R.N. — Written by Kristeen Moore — Updated on September 17, 2018
https://www.healthline.com/health/myocardial-contusion
- What Is a Myocardial Contusion?
Medically Reviewed by Melinda Ratini, DO, MS on May 19, 2021
