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 doctor has provided 1 answer
Dr. Edward Hellman answered

Specializes in Orthopedic Surgery

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.

Answered 9/23/2014

3.7k views

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