What could cause left-sided chest pain and a low heart rate?

Question

Hello doctor,

I have been experiencing pain in the left side of my chest and under my armpit for the past week. My EKG report is clear, but my resting heart rate is consistently between 50 to 60 bpm. During running, my heart rate increases to 100 to 130 bpm, and during walking, it ranges from 70 to 90 bpm. My blood pressure is 100/70 mmHg. I am 27 years old, single, a non-smoker, and do not consume alcohol. What could be causing my left-sided chest pain and low heart rate?

Please help.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I carefully reviewed your question and would like to explain that your symptoms do not seem to be related to any cardiac issues. Considering your age and the fact that you have no cardiovascular risk factors, there is nothing to worry about regarding your heart. The fluctuations in your heart rate and blood pressure during physical activity are quite normal and do not indicate any serious cardiac condition. Costochondritis, or inflammation of the cartilage in the rib cage, could be the cause of your symptoms. Anxiety may also trigger this clinical situation. I recommend using painkillers, and if the pain persists, I suggest undergoing a chest X-ray, a cervical spine X-ray, a complete blood count, and tests for PCR (polymerase chain reaction) and ESR (erythrocyte sedimentation rate) to check for inflammation.

Thanks and regards.