Learn About Myocardial Contusion
Myocardial contusion is a bruise of the heart muscle.
Blunt myocardial injury
The most common causes are:
- Car crashes
- Getting hit by a car
- Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR)
- Falling from a height, most often greater than 20 feet (6 meters)
A severe myocardial contusion may lead to signs and symptoms of a heart attack.
Symptoms can include:
- Pain in the front of the ribs or breastbone
- Feeling that your heart is racing
- Lightheadedness
- Nausea or vomiting
- Shortness of breath
- Weakness
In most cases, you will be closely monitored for at least 24 hours. An ECG will be done continually to check your heart function.
Emergency room treatment may include:
- Catheter placement through a vein (IV)
- Medicines to relieve pain, heart rate disturbances, or low blood pressure
- Pacemaker (temporary, may be permanent later)
- Oxygen
Other therapies may be used to treat a heart injury, include:
- Chest tube placement
- Draining blood from around the heart
- Surgery to repair blood vessels in the chest
People with a mild myocardial contusion will recover completely most of the time.
Serious heart injuries can increase your risk for heart failure or heart rhythm problems.
The following safety tips may help prevent a heart bruise:
- Wear a seat belt when driving.
- Choose a car with air bags.
- Take steps to ensure safety when working at heights.
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Published Date: May 08, 2022
Published By: Michael A. Chen, MD, PhD, Associate Professor of Medicine, Division of Cardiology, Harborview Medical Center, University of Washington Medical School, Seattle, WA. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
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