How to differentiate heart attack and costochondritis pain?

Question

Hello doctor,

I am 21 years old, and I visited my GP today, who thinks I may have chondritis. I have a question regarding the difference between this and heart attacks. The pain has been varying from the right side of my left pectoral muscle to the left side of my left pectoral muscle. Being fairly young, this has made me worry a lot.

Please help.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I understand your concern.

Firstly, the probability of a heart attack is very low at this age. Costochondritis pain increases when pressure is applied to the area; if that is the case, it could be costochondritis. This is the most important sign of costochondritis. Heart attack pain is typically very severe on the left side and is associated with radiating pain to the left arm and excessive sweating. In a severe heart attack, the pain will not last more than 24 to 48 hours, while in a minor heart attack, it may last more than 20 minutes.

Do you experience upper abdominal pain, nausea, bloating, burping, increased pain after eating, a sour feeling in your throat, or chest burning? If so, it could indicate gastritis or reflux disease. Does the pain increase with deep breathing or coughing? If yes, it may be pain arising from the lining of the lungs, possibly due to smoking or a viral infection. To clarify your doubts, you can get an ECG (electrocardiogram) done. Overall, I do not think this is cardiac pain.

I hope this helps, and feel free to reach out if you have any further questions.

Thank you.