Does costochondritis mimic a heart attack?

Costochondritis (kos-toe-kon-DRY-tis) is an inflammation of the cartilage that connects a rib to the breastbone (sternum). Pain caused by costochondritis might mimic that of a heart attack or other heart conditions.

What is the difference between costochondritis and pericarditis?

Overall, costochondritis is one of the most common causes of musculoskeletal chest pain. While chest pain can represent heart disease and heart attack, inflammation around the heart (pericarditis), or lungs (pleuritis), costochondritis is also considered as a possible diagnosis in adults with chest pain.

Has anyone died from costochondritis?

Although age-adjusted death, rates have fallen by 70\% in the past 25 years, costochondritis remains the largest single cause of death among men and women in Australia, claiming more than 26,000 lives (19.5 \% of all deaths) in 2002. In about 25\% of patients, death is the first manifestation of the disease.

What is the difference between chest pain and heart pain?

Though similar to angina chest pain, a heart attack is usually a more severe, crushing pain usually in the center or left side of the chest and is not relieved by rest. Sweating, nausea, shortness of breath, or severe weakness may accompany the pain.

How can you tell the difference between costochondritis and heart pain?

The pain lasts for hours to days at a time. As for the difference between this condition and a heart attack, costochondritis typically feels like a dull or sharp soreness in your chest. Heart attack pain typically feels like a crushing weight or pressure on your chest rather than sharp or aching pain.

Can costochondritis cause heart palpitations?

This is an inflammatory condition in which the cartilage and area around the rib cage and sternum is swollen and sore. It can be a frightening pain – especially when it’s on the heart side of the breast bone and you feel the accompanying palpitations.

Can costochondritis cause chest pain?

Costochondritis is inflammation of the areas where your upper ribs join with the cartilage that holds them to your breastbone. These areas are called costochondral junctions. The condition causes chest pain, but it’s typically harmless and usually goes away without any treatment.

Can costochondritis cause palpitations?

Can costochondritis make you feel unwell?

If you feel unwell, breathless, dizzy, or sweaty, or if your chest pain is very severe or spreading to your jaw or left arm then treat it as an emergency. Call 999/112/911 for an emergency ambulance. It is more likely that you have costochondritis if: You are young and otherwise healthy.

Can costochondritis cause sharp chest pain?

Chest pain linked to costochondritis usually comes on after exercise, minor trauma, or an upper respiratory infection. Sharp pain in the front of your chest, near where your breastbone and ribs meet, typically on the left side. It may spread to your back or belly.