Question 1

i was diagnosed with costochondritis. how can i distinguish the sharp pain i have all the time vs a heart attack? also my heart seems to race at times

Accepted Answer

Physical exam: Physical exam is usually  beneficial in differentiating between the two.  Palpating on the costchondral junction should completely reproduce the symptoms of costochondritis, where it won't at all for a cardiac event.  Certainly if there is concern, a cardiac workup can be done to rule out a cardiac cause.

Question 2

how do i know if i have costochondritis pain and not a heart attack?

Accepted Answer

Chest pain: Costochondriis is inflammation of the junction between cartilage in the front of the rib cage and the bony rib.  It is a sharp soreness that hurts particularly as the chest moves (mist noticeable in inspiration or with palpating).  It lasts a split second.  Angina is a deeper more visceral sensation.  It represents nervous stimulation due to lack oxygen in hert tissue.  Lasts minutes.

Question 3

how can i tell difference between costochondritis and a sign of heart attack?

Accepted Answer

Heart Attack: Costochondritis is inflammation of the bone to cartilage of the sternum (breastbone).  The pain is worse when you push on this area.   A heart attack on the other hand is from the heart muscle not getting enough blood supply (and oxygenated blood).  Heart attack pain is not made worse by pressing on the sternum.  It often feels like a huge pressure on the chest, and may radiate into the jaw or arm

Question 4

how can i know difference between costochondritis and a sign of heart attack?

Accepted Answer

Costochondritis: Costochondritis is inflammation along the breast bone where the cartilage attaches to bone.   Does it hurt to press on your sternum?    If so, that suggests Costochondritis.    Heart attack symptoms often involve a pressure feeling on the chest, nausea, shortness of breath, pain in the haw or the arm.    When in doubt, seek medical attention immediately.

Question 5

have fibromyalgia/costochondritis. terrified of heart attack. multiple docs say i'm ok. pains only come on at rest, not during cardio. is that normal?

Accepted Answer

Fibromyalgia pain: Must patients with fibromyalgia have pains that are difficult to explain.  Usually, pains associated with heart attach become worse with exercise.  Your doctors are the only ones who can discern between cardiac pain and fibromyalgia pain.

Question 6

i'm 16 year old female. i have pain in my upper left chest which occurs and then goes very frequently along with costochondritis like symptoms (not got medically checked) . is it heart attack? or what exactly is it?

Accepted Answer

: At your age the more likely issue is located just to the left of and behind the heart, where your swallow tube joins the stomach. Backwash of stomach acid, which is aggravated by reclining after meals or caffeine and many foods can produce such symptoms. They call it heart burn.

Question 7

costochondritis is not going away . all the nsaid and anti inflammatory do not work .  i keep thinking costo will eventually lead to a heart attack ?

Accepted Answer

Costochondritis: If truly a Costochodritis, this will NOT lead to a heart attack.  Try seeing the doctor and keep plugging away.  Trigger point injections are always an option and even Acupuncture or Chiropractic or Osteopathic manipulation can benefit you.  Good luck.

Question 8

does using voltaren (diclofenac) gel for costochondritis increase your risk for heart attack and  stroke. ?

Accepted Answer

Yes: Can be absorbed through skin.

Question 9

was having sever chest pain today. i feared it was a heart attack. i figured it was costochondritis or returning pericarditis. what to do? 18 y/o

Accepted Answer

Definitely see a DR: This complaint requires a face to face visit to evaluate all aspects of your history and physical. As it turns out the best place to go is to an emergency room for history, physical, EKG and other tests if appropriate. Good luck.

Question 10

was having severe chest pain today. i feared it was a heart attack. i figured it was costochondritis or returning pericarditis. what to do? 18 y/o

Accepted Answer

Seek Help: You are too young to have a heart attack although not knowing your complete history along with family history, I would recommend seeing a cardiologist regarding your concerns.

Get Virtual Care

For Businesses

About Us

HealthTap Online Primary Care Doctors Accepting New Patients

Doctor answers about:

Costochondritis or heart attack

A member asked:

I was diagnosed with costochondritis. how can i distinguish the sharp pain i have all the time vs a heart attack? also my heart seems to race at times

A member asked:

How do i know if i have costochondritis pain and not a heart attack?

A member asked:

How can i tell difference between costochondritis and a sign of heart attack?

A member asked:

How can i know difference between costochondritis and a sign of heart attack?

A member asked:

Have fibromyalgia/costochondritis. terrified of heart attack. multiple docs say i'm ok. pains only come on at rest, not during cardio. is that normal?

A member asked:

I'm 16 year old female. i have pain in my upper left chest which occurs and then goes very frequently along with costochondritis like symptoms (not got medically checked) . is it heart attack? or what exactly is it?

A member asked:

Costochondritis is not going away . all the nsaid and anti inflammatory do not work . i keep thinking costo will eventually lead to a heart attack ?

A member asked:

Does using voltaren (diclofenac) gel for costochondritis increase your risk for heart attack and stroke. ?

A member asked:

Was having sever chest pain today. i feared it was a heart attack. i figured it was costochondritis or returning pericarditis. what to do? 18 y/o

A member asked:

Was having severe chest pain today. i feared it was a heart attack. i figured it was costochondritis or returning pericarditis. what to do? 18 y/o

HealthTap Online Primary Care Doctors Accepting New Patients

Telemedicine

Primary Care

Manage Your Conditions

Women's Health

Children's Health

Men's Health

Senior Health

Wellness, Prevention & Lifestyle

Sexual Health

Mental & Behavioral Health

Travel Medicine

Urgent Care

Didn't find what you're looking for?

More of what we treat

Allergies

Antibiotics

Asthma

High Blood Pressure

Prescriptions

Type 2 Diabetes

For Businesses

Company

Health Content

Join Us

Download HealthTap

Questions?