The thymus is a small organ located just behind the breast bone (sternum) in the front part of the chest.
Heart: An hollow organ located in between the lungs just behind the breastbone. It supplies blood to all parts of the body.
Costochondritis (kos-toe-kon-DRY-tis) is an inflammation of the cartilage that connects a rib to the breastbone (sternum). Pain caused by costochondritis might mimic that of a heart attack or other heart conditions.
The mediastinum is in the center of the chest and contains the heart, thymus, and lymph nodes, along with portions of the aorta, vena cava, trachea, esophagus, and various nerves.
The main chest muscle (the pectoralis muscle) is found between the breast and the ribs in the chest wall.
Your sternum is a bone that's located in the middle of your chest. It's also sometimes referred to as the breastbone. Your sternum protects the organs of your torso from injury and also serves as a connection point for other bones and muscles.
Causes include an injury to the rib cage, heavy lifting, an infection, and arthritis. Experts note, however, that it often has no identifiable cause. Your doctor may recommend OTC or prescription-strength pain relievers and anti-inflammatories or steroids.
Chest pain and heart problems
The most common heart problems that cause chest pain include: pericarditis – which usually causes a sudden, sharp, stabbing pain that gets worse when you breathe deeply or lie down. angina or a heart attack – which have similar symptoms but a heart attack is life-threatening.
The most common causes of pleuritic chest pain are bacterial or viral infections, pulmonary embolism, and pneumothorax. Other less common causes include rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and cancer. Pneumonia or lung abscess. These lung infections can cause pleuritic and other types of chest pain, such as a deep chest ache.
Chest pain isn't normal. If you have chest pain, contact your healthcare provider or 911 right away. Although most people think of a heart attack when they think of chest pain, there are many other conditions that cause chest pain.
While sternum pain is not a serious condition, if it is not too intense, it is best to get evaluated and get treatment for any pain in your chest because it might be a severe condition. If your sternum pain is accompanied by nausea or vomiting, call 911 or go directly to the emergency room.
Red flags to alert a possible diagnosis of heart attack
Clammy, unwell patient. Exertional chest pain. Heavy, tight, pressure type chest pain. Pain radiating to left arm, right shoulder or both arms.
The thymus is in a part of the chest called the mediastinum, the space in the chest between the lungs that also contains the heart, part of the aorta, the esophagus (the tube that connects the mouth to the stomach), part of the trachea (windpipe), and many lymph nodes.
Costochondritis is the medical term for inflammation of the cartilage that joins your ribs to your breastbone (sternum). This area is known as the costochondral joint. Cartilage is tough but flexible connective tissue found throughout the body, including in the joints between bones.
Costochondritis is inflammation where your ribs join the bone in the middle of your chest (breastbone). It can cause sharp chest pain, especially when moving or breathing. It usually gets better on its own over time.
Chest pain can stem from a heart problem, but other possible causes include a lung infection, muscle strain, a rib injury, or a panic attack. Some of these are serious conditions and need medical attention.
The pain of a heart attack differs from that of a strained chest muscle. A heart attack may cause a dull pain or an uncomfortable feeling of pressure in the chest. Usually, the pain begins in the center of the chest, and it may radiate outward to one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw, or stomach.
GERD can cause chest pain that mimics a heart attack. Described as a squeezing pressure behind the breast bone, GERD-related chest pain can last for hours. And like a heart attack, it can also radiate down your arm to your back.
When you're anxious, your brain sends a surge of adrenaline and cortisol through your body. These hormones immediately trigger a rapid rise in your heart rate and blood pressure. As a result, many people experience chest pain and sweating, or have a hard time breathing.
In most cases, a broken sternum will heal on its own. It can take 3 months or longer for the pain to go away. The doctor has checked you carefully, but problems can develop later. If you notice any problems or new symptoms, get medical treatment right away.
Chest and back pain can be a cause for concern, especially if a person has an underlying condition such as heart disease or cancer. Some other possible causes of chest and back pain include infections, digestive conditions, and injuries to muscle, bone, or other tissues within the chest.
Visit a doctor for any unexplained chest pain that persists or recurs. Seek immediate medical attention if upper back and chest pain are accompanied by any red flag symptoms, such as numbness, weakness, nausea, dizziness, fever, chills, or problems with balance or coordination.