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... Learn more