What Causes Pain In The Center Of The Chest Area?

Posted on Mon, 12 Dec 2016

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

Mon, 12 Dec 2016 Answered on

Wed, 28 Dec 2016 Last reviewed on

Question : Hello. I seem to have some sort of pain in the center area of my chest. I don't feel it inside. It's more like in the ribs. I have attached an image with the area here: http://prntscr.com/di8adg . What could it be? Thanks

Answered by Dr. Panagiotis Zografakis (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
there are various potential causes

Detailed Answer:
Hello,

this kind of chest pain can be attributed to various disorders. I'll make a short list for you...

- coronary artery disease: not very likely for someone at your age unless you've got a serious family history of early heart disease or sky high cholesterol levels.
- pericarditis: this is another disorder of the heart, which usually causes pain when taking deep breaths.
- esophageal disorders: various esophageal disorders may cause central chest pain like esophagitis for example. This pain usually has a burning quality.
- musculoskeletal disorders: pain on the cartilaginous part of the ribs (close to sternum) may be caused by injuries or inflammatory disorders like costochondritis.
- pulmonary disorders may also cause pain on the chest but it's usually on the sides.
- finally psychological nuances may 'transform' into pain in susceptible individuals (patients with anxiety usually).

Your doctor can distinguish between various causes by taking a detailed history and examining you. Sometimes tests might be needed as well.

Kind Regards!

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