What Causes Discomfort In Left Part Of Chest?

Posted on Mon, 9 Jun 2014

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Mon, 9 Jun 2014 Answered on

Mon, 30 Jun 2014 Last reviewed on

Question : After a cardio workout a few days ago, I've been having discomfort in the left part of my chest. It causes me to want to take deep breaths over and over again. Sometimes if occupied with other activities it goes away, but when I sit still or attempt to sleep it comes back.

It feels like a tickle, or like a burp is stuck but nothing comes out.

Answered by Dr. Anantharamakrishnan (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Stress causing muscle pain...

Detailed Answer:
Dear friend,
Welcome to Health Care Magic

This description is highly suggestive of Anxiety…
Pain from the heart is oppressing, in central chest (and left), worse on effort, relieved by rest, may radiate to shoulders and arms, associated with sweating and so on.
Your symptoms do not suggest Coronary Artery Disease (CAD).
However, it is better to have a Treadmill Exercise Electrocardiogram (TMT) – rather to exclude, than to conclude…. If it is normal, nothing to do; if in doubt, further work up is done..

Take care
Good luck

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar