S20-S29: Injuries to the thorax

S26: Injury of heart

Injury of the heart falls within the group of medical conditions collectively identified by the term 'cardiac trauma'. This includes instances where physical damage has been caused to the heart, either directly through blunt or penetrating injury, or indirectly such as through shock waves from an explosion. The immediate cause is usually a traumatic physical event like an accident, assault, or fall, among others. Symptoms may vary, but often include chest pain, difficulty breathing, abnormal heart rhythms, and signs of shock like confusion or unconsciousness. Damage can range from minor to severe, affecting different parts of the heart such as the outer lining (pericardium), the muscular walls, or even the inner structures like valves or chambers. This type of injury can disrupt the normal functioning of the heart, and its severity and progression often depend on the extent and location of the damage.