Premium Nahrungsergänzungsmittel | artgerecht

Retrosternal: Meaning, Causes and Symptoms

Retrosternal refers to the area located behind the sternum (breastbone). The term describes an anatomical position or pain felt behind the breastbone.

Regular tips about health Regular tips about health

Things worth knowing about "Retrosternal"

Retrosternal refers to the area located behind the sternum (breastbone). The term describes an anatomical position or pain felt behind the breastbone.

What does retrosternal mean?

Retrosternal is a medical term derived from Latin: retro (behind) and sternum (breastbone). It describes an anatomical location or the site of symptoms situated behind the breastbone. In clinical practice, the term is most commonly used in reference to pain or pressure felt in this area.

Anatomical Background

The sternum (breastbone) is a flat bone located at the center of the chest. Behind it lies the mediastinum, a region that contains several vital structures, including:

The heart and major blood vessels (e.g., the aorta and vena cava)
The trachea (windpipe) and main bronchi
The esophagus (food pipe)
Lymph nodes and the thymus gland

Diseases or changes affecting these structures can manifest as retrosternal symptoms.

Causes of Retrosternal Symptoms

Retrosternal pain or a sensation of pressure behind the breastbone can arise from a wide range of causes, varying from benign conditions to life-threatening emergencies.

Cardiac Causes

Angina pectoris: Chest pain due to temporary reduced blood flow to the heart
Myocardial infarction (heart attack): Persistent retrosternal pain, often radiating to the left arm, jaw, or back
Pericarditis: Inflammation of the pericardium (the sac surrounding the heart)

Esophageal Causes

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD): Stomach acid rising into the esophagus causing heartburn and retrosternal burning
Esophagitis: Inflammation of the esophagus
Esophageal spasms: Cramp-like contractions of the esophageal muscles

Respiratory Causes

Tracheitis: Inflammation of the trachea
Pulmonary embolism: A blood clot in the lungs that can cause retrosternal pressure
Pleuritis: Inflammation of the pleura (lining of the lungs)

Other Causes

Mediastinitis (inflammation of the mediastinum)
Mediastinal masses (e.g., tumors or cysts)
Musculoskeletal conditions (e.g., costochondritis)

Symptoms and Clinical Presentation

Retrosternal symptoms can vary depending on the underlying cause:

Pressure, tightness, or pain behind the breastbone
Burning sensation (typical of heartburn or GERD)
Stabbing or persistent pain (more typical of cardiac conditions)
Radiation to the shoulder, arm, jaw, or back
Difficulty swallowing (in esophageal disorders)

Diagnosis

Several diagnostic tests may be used to evaluate retrosternal symptoms:

ECG (electrocardiogram): To assess heart activity and rule out cardiac events
Blood tests: e.g., troponin levels when a heart attack is suspected
Chest X-ray: To evaluate the lungs and mediastinum
Endoscopy (gastroscopy): Direct visualization of the esophagus and stomach
CT scan of the chest: Detailed imaging of thoracic structures
Echocardiography: Ultrasound examination of the heart

When to Seek Medical Attention

Retrosternal pain should always be taken seriously. Call emergency services immediately (911 or local emergency number) if you experience:

Sudden, severe pressure or tightness behind the breastbone
Pain radiating to the arm, jaw, or back
Shortness of breath, sweating, or nausea accompanying the pain
Symptoms lasting more than a few minutes

Even recurring, less acute retrosternal discomfort warrants prompt medical evaluation to rule out serious underlying conditions.

References

Fauci, A.S. et al. - Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine. 21st edition. McGraw-Hill, 2022.
World Health Organization (WHO) - Cardiovascular Diseases: www.who.int/health-topics/cardiovascular-diseases
Kahrilas, P.J. - Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease. New England Journal of Medicine, 2008; 359:1700-1707.

Building Blocks for a Healthy Life

As an integrated manufacturer, we develop & produce evidence-based, patented, and non-patented formulations. We work exclusively with plant and natural extracts according to the strictest purity & quality standards.
The combination of science & modern technology with the laws of nature creates solutions consistently tailored to humans – for the highest good: health.

Most read entries

3 Posts in this encyclopedia category