Herzbereich

Herzbereich is a German term that designates the anatomical region centered on the heart. In medical contexts it refers to the area of the chest that contains the heart and the pericardium, located in the middle to left side of the thorax within the mediastinum. It is bounded anteriorly by the sternum, posteriorly by the thoracic vertebrae, laterally by the lungs, with the superior limit near the thoracic inlet and the inferior limit near the diaphragmatic surface. The apex of the heart usually lies in the left fifth intercostal space along the midclavicular line.

The Herzbereich is a key focus in clinical assessment and diagnostic imaging. Symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, or palpitations are evaluated with reference to this region. Diagnostic tools commonly used to examine structures within the Herzbereich include electrocardiography (ECG), echocardiography, and chest radiography, as well as more advanced imaging when needed. Conditions affecting this region encompass coronary artery disease and myocardial infarction, pericarditis, myocarditis, and various cardiomyopathies and arrhythmias.

Etymology and usage: The term combines Herz (heart) with Bereich (area/region). In German-language medical literature, Herzbereich describes the heart’s location and surrounding structures, while more precise terms like Herzgegend or Herzregion may be used depending on context. In everyday language, it may also refer broadly to the chest area associated with the heart.