Resolved question:
I am not having real pain, but for the past week and a half I have been having on and off very mild discomfort in the chest area. I have been working out a lot, so I thought it was just from that, and at first I could pinpoint the pain. But it is still persisting, and something just doesn't feel right. I have had fluttering at night the past couple of nights, and now I have a dull kind of pain in the center of my chest. I don't want to be paranoid and run to the emergency room for nothing, if it is just a chest wall thing, or something like that. Should I be concerned?
Submitted:
4 Days
Category:
Cardiologist
Hello,
Thank you for your query at DoctorSpring.com
I understand your concern.
It does not seem to be anything serious in absence of symptoms such as persisting palpitations, breathlessness, or any referred pain.
It could be due to muscle related pain due to excessive workout, or can also be constochondritis, an inflammation around the chest wall, in the ribs. Mostly the cause can't be ascertained for costochondritis, however severe exercise can trigger it.
If you don't have any of the above symptoms, and the pain is not increasing in intensity then there is no cause to worry.
The best way is to take Ibuprofen 400 mg, one tablet, and if the pain comes down it is definitely is muscle related.
Also what is your age? Do you have any history of GERD? OR any reflux disease? Sometimes GERD can also lead to central chest pain which closely mimics pain of MI.
Feel free to discuss further,
Regards.
I am 50 years old. I have had reflux in the past, but it doesn't feel at all the same. I am having occasional pain in my neck and shoulder as well, mostly on the left side.
Hello,
The pain in the neck and shoulder could also be due to your work out.
But since you're 50 it is better you get an ECG done just to be on the safer side.
It is highly unlikely you have anything to be worried about. But as a routine we should get ECG on anyone who complains of chest pain beyond the age of 40.
Do you have any history of hypertension or diabetes? If either of them is present then ECG becomes mandatory.
Till then you can take Ibuprofen and update me if the pain reduced.
Also avoid working out till the pain subsides.
Let me know if i can help you further,
Regards.