Reasons for left sided chest pain other than heart...?

Question

OTHER THAN A HEART ATTACK...what kinds of things could cause left sided chest discomfort? Like around the breast, and in the rib area, and a burning in the shoulder blade?

Please, do NOT say Heart attack...I asked OTHER THAN A HEART ATTACK...what other things could cause this.

It has been going on for around 2 months now, give or take a week. I have been to the doctor and am currently waiting test results, that I should be getting Monday, so I am looking for ideas now of what could be going on.

I am 26 year old female. QUit smoking around 2 months and 3 weeks ago. Having chest soreness, and discomfort, along with some panic attacks. Occassional shortness of breath, but it isn't bad. Never lasts longer than a minute or two. Doesn't happen often. The chest soreness is there almost all the time. Activity does not increase it, infact, often times, activity helps it.

Any suggestions would be appriciated!

Thanks.

Please don't say go to dr. ALready went.

Answer 1

Below is a great article for you:
http://www.aafp.org/afp/20051115/2012.html

One of the tables lists the most common causes of chest pain in the US vs UK and in the ER. There is no doubt that musculoskeletal pain is the most likely cause in your age group, only 26, gets better with activity, etc..

However, the key point in your history is the fact that you have panic attacks. This is classic for patients often feeling like they have a heart condition, when in fact, they have anxiety. The fact that you have panic attacks confirms that your chest pain is most likely psychosocial/psyciatric in nature. Also, your recent smoking cessation may also be contributing to your anxiety. There are medical options to help you with this, such benzodiazepines or other anti-anxiety meds.

Either way, most docs will rule out a heart condition with the complaint of chest pain so they don't get sued, it's ridiculous, you're only 26. Not to say it can't happen, but a thorough history and physical exam would have been enough in your case, but we're in America where people love to sue, so hence all the tests.... What a waste of money. Anyways, hope you feel better.

Answer 2

Left Chest Pain Reasons

Answer 3

1. As another poster suggested, costochondritis (Tietze's Syndrome) could be a cause. Read about it at http://orthopedics.about.com/cs/sprainsstrains/a/costochondritis.htm. I have had this. It started apparently without cause, plagued me for months, then disappeared.
2. Another possible, less likely, cause is pleuritis, inflammation of the lining of the lung; it hurts with breathing.
3. GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease) can cause this type of discomfort. Please have your physician rule out GERD. Not everyone with reflux has "heartburn". GERD can cause erosive esophagitis, which can lead to Barrett's Esophagus, which is a precancerous condition of the esophagus.
4. I assume your physician is ruling out cholecystitis, or gall bladder inflammation. Gall bladder pain may manifest itself under the right shoulder blade.

Congratulations on stopping smoking! I know these symptoms you are having are stressful, but don't give up.

Answer 4

First of all Tammy,
I would say your deeply in love with someone and they have turned out to be more of a pain than pleasure! "just teasing ya Tammy" I really wouldn't have the slights, but I'll pray for ya, OK?

Answer 5

I had these symptoms-even went through all the heart tests (treadmill, heart cath, etc.) It turned out to be my gall bladder. Gall stones or gall bladder disease symptoms can mimic heart disease. It could also be pleurisy, which is fluid in the pleural cavity of the lungs. Good luck!

Answer 6

It can be due to pulled Pectoralis muscles (major & minor) due to heavy work.
After quiting smoking you will get these episodes do occur, but nothing.
This is short and sweet answer.

Answer 7

chest pain that eases with drinking liquid

Answer 8

I would think it could be costochondritis, which is just rib area muscle pain.

Answer 9

I had this: http://www.medicinenet.com/costochondritis_and_tietze_syndrome/article.htm

Did you have and ECG? http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/003868.htm to check for mitral valve prolapse? http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/mitral-valve-prolapse/DS00504

Answer 10

i get this sometimes. my doctor said it was nothing serious