What Causes Severe Pain In The Sternum?

Posted on Mon, 26 Sep 2016

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Mon, 26 Sep 2016 Answered on

Wed, 12 Oct 2016 Last reviewed on

Question : earlier today i had severe pain in my sternum that lasted about 20 minutes,it was sudden and felt like pressure and burning. i was sweaty but not badly. i chewed a couple baby asprin and laid down and after a bit it went away. iam 55 and 100lbs overweight and due to my husband serious recent health issue, under alot of stress. i very nearly called 911 as i have never had pain like this. do i need to see a dr tonight or can it wait till tomorrow?

Answered by Dr. Robert Galamaga (21 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Considerations

Detailed Answer:
hello and thank you for sending a question.

From the symptoms you have described I think it is extremely important that you go for a medical evaluation as soon as possible.

Your symptoms are very suspicious for a possible heart attack. It is extremely important that you be evaluated as soon as possible to make sure there is not any continued ongoing damage going on related to your heart. doctors can perform diagnostic tests to provide a full assessment.

While it is remotely possible that your symptoms might not be related to your heart, the risk of assuming that this is the case is too great to wait until tomorrow or later for evaluation.

please go to your nearest hospital as soon as possible or call 911 for transportation. I realize that going to the hospital is inconvenient and time consuming but in light of your symptoms I think it is warranted right now.

thank you very much for sending your query.

Sincerely,

Dr. Galamaga

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Nagamani Ng