iCliniq Logo
HomeAnswersCardiologychest pain

What could cause chest pain and shortness of breath?

This Premium Q&A, reviewed and published, features a real conversation between an iCliniq user and a physician.

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

I have left chest pain above my breast and pain in my left arm. I also have shortness of breath and fast heartbeat. This does not happen all the time. It comes and goes. I have it for about three years I guess. I am not on medications currently.

Answered by Dr. Ahmed Mohamed Mahmoud Goha

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

Most common cause for this is costochondritis which is an inflammation of the cartilage in the rib cage or anxiety. However other causes need to be excluded. More information about chest pain is needed like character, duration, radiation, what brings it and how does it go, relation to mood, exercise or food?

The Probable causes

The probable cause is costochondritis or anxiety.

Investigations to be done

Do ECG (electrocardiography), X-ray chest and Echocardiography. 24-hour ambulatory ECG (Holter) may be considered. CBC (complete blood count) and Thyroid function test has to be done.

Differential diagnosis

The differential diagnosis are cardiac causes: mitral valve prolapse, pericarditis, coronary artery disease (unlikely in your case), lung causes: bronchial asthma, pleurisy. Musculoskeletal: injured rib, costochondritis, gasterointestinal causes: Gastroesophageal reflux disease, peptic ulcer, hiatus hernia and sychological causes: anxiety, panic attacks, psychosomatic disorder and others: hormonal disturbance.

Regarding follow up

Please reconsult after doing the requested tests.

Answered byDr. Ahmed Mohamed Mahmoud Goha

Medically reviewed byDr. Vinodhini J.

Published At July 10, 2020
Reviewed AtAugust 10, 2024

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

default Img
Dr. Ahmed Mohamed Mahmoud Goha

Cardiology

Consult this doctor
Listen to related tracks in our music library

Related Questions

Can chest pain have other reasons than heart attack?

I have a burning chest pain which improves when I stand. Is it costochondritis?

Chest pain since 15 days. ECG & TMT reports are normal. What could be the problem?

Is shortness of breath and chest pain associated with anxiety?

I had shortness of breath and chest pain after breathing in steam. Am I at risk?

I have pain in chest radiating to face, arm and neck. How to solve this?

Read answers about:

chest paincostochondritis

Ask your health query to a doctor online

Cardiology

*guaranteed answer within 4 hours

Trustpilot

Disclaimer: No content published on this website is intended to be a substitute for professional medical diagnosis, advice or treatment by a trained physician. Seek advice from your physician or other qualified healthcare providers with questions you may have regarding your symptoms and medical condition for a complete medical diagnosis. Do not delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice because of something you have read on this website. Read our Editorial Process to know how we create content for health articles and queries.