10 Causes of Sternum Pain
Reviewed: Dr. Gromatzky
Cause #7: Heart Attack
A heart attack or myocardial infarction occurs when there is decreased blood flow to a part of the heart causing damage to the heart muscle. It can cause symptoms such as pain or discomfort in the left side or middle of the chest (sternum pain), which may radiate upward to the neck, jaw, arm, and shoulder. The pain or discomfort felt can sometimes be mistaken for heartburn. It is often reported as a crushing pain.
Other symptoms are diaphoresis, tiredness, feeling faint, shortness of breath, and nausea. Risk factors for a heart attack include obesity, hypertension, smoking, sedentary lifestyle, diabetes, and excessive alcohol use, among others.
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