Cardiac injury means the heart muscle or its coverings have been bruised, torn, or punctured. It can happen after a car crash, a stab wound, a heart attack, or even strong CPR. Because the heart is the body’s engine, symptoms are loud and urgent.
Chest pain is the headline. It feels like a heavy weight, crushing pressure, or sharp stab that can spread to the jaw, arm, or back and does not ease with rest.
Shortness of breath is common. You pant sitting still, can’t finish a sentence, or feel air-hungry even after a deep breath.
Heart rhythm flutters. You notice racing, skipping, or a “flip-flop” sensation that may come with dizziness or fainting.
Low blood pressure and fast pulse show up. You feel cold, clammy, and light-headed; pulse is weak but rapid.
Blue lips or fingertips appear if the heart can’t pump enough oxygen.
Late alarms include sudden collapse, no pulse, or chest pain that keeps getting worse—clues the heart is failing or bleeding into its sac.
| Symptom | What You Feel | Quick Check |
|---|---|---|
| Pain | Heavy or stab | Rest vs pain |
| Breath | Pant sitting | Talk test |
| Rhythm | Racing, flip-flop | Pulse check |
| Pressure | Cold, clammy | Skin check |
| Blue | Lips, fingertips | Color check |
| Late | Collapse, no pulse | 911 immediately |