Mild chest pains

[Ray Ban]

Hello,

For about two or three months now I have been experiencing mild chest pains, originating around the sternum area. I am in my early 30s, slightly overweight but reasonably fit. I usually get the pains when I am sitting down doing no exercise at all. It lasts a minute or so and then disappears. The weird thing is I don't get any pains when I do vigorous exercise, like cycling for 30 mins non-stop or playing squash. Whilst I might feel tired and a little out of breath after exercise I recover my normal pulse quite quickly.

I had my class 1 renewal three months ago and my ECG was fine. My mother who is also a retired GP has taken my BP many times and it is always normal or within prescribed parameters. She said it might be indigestion as I do have a tendancy to eat quite fast! I plan to have my cholesterol checked soon.

Anyone any thoughts?

[2close]

Hi RayBan,

I am NOT a doctor, paramedic or anything similar but do you or anyone in your immediate family have a predisposition towards arthritis?

I am thinking along the lines of Costochondritis, an arthritic condition that affects the joints between the sternum and the ribs.

The signs and symptoms are very much like those you describe and can be made worse by something as simple as high humidity, cold weather - sometimes can feel like an elephant on your chest with a struggle to breathe but pulse is beating along gently and regularly at 70 (ish) - quite easily controlled with NSAIDs.

But definitely go see your GP and have it checked.

Best Regards,

2close

[HEATHROW DIRECTOR]

I have, all my life, suffered an intermittent problem of some sort around the sternum. I get a sudden pain in the middle of my chest but when I then stretch my shoulders back hard there is a "click" at the very front of my chest and the pain immediately goes. Just something to do with the mechanics in the front but it can be surprisingly uncomfortable. Next time you experience your problem try stretching your shoulders back and upward.

[Flyin'Dutch']

Not sure why you think we can give better advice than your mum!

I am not surprised at all that exercise does not give chest pain. If it did it would be a strong indication that it was something to do with your heart.

Go and see your doctor and get a proper assessment, leave your poor mum to enjoy her retirement.



Best of luck

FD

[Kolibear]

I too sometimes get the same sort of cramp-type pains as H D describes - and I'd really like to know what causes them.

Ideas please??

[::Joey::1985620]

I have chest pain from time to time, in the area near the heart, last 10 seconds the longest. I've did some research, apparently the pain is caused by tiny muscle contraction but has nothing to do with the heart. As long as you can continue your activity afterwards, you're fine. But i guess... if it happens too often, better get it check out.
I had serious chest pain once, but it was just heart burn.. haha

[Paracab]

PPRuNe is great for many things, but it is not the place to get advice on any chest pain you may be suffering.

Get to your own GP asap.