Hi,my Name Is XXXXXXX I Have Been Having Some Chest

Posted on Wed, 8 May 2019

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

Wed, 8 May 2019 Answered on

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Question : hi,my name is XXXXXXX I have been having some chest pain/tightness in the last 6-8 months.I am 51 yrs old in pretty goodshape 5'11" 197lbs,and I am pretty active weekly hikes,and 2-3 gym visits per week.I eat descent couple bad meals a week ie.fast foodish stuff and I eat good the rest of the week.The tightness is located in the same place on the left side of my pectoral muscle.Right where ur pecs attach to the centerline of ur chestbone right where the pecs attach.the pain does not seem deep but more right on the surface where the muscles attach.I am worried...….???

Answered by Dr. Dr. Michelle Gibson (53 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
different possible causes

Detailed Answer:
HI, thanks for using healthcare magic

Chest tightness/pain can be related to any of the structures in the chest from the skin inwards.

Pain/tightness can originate from: (1) skin- nerves in the skin can be the cause of pain (neuralgia). This can occur if there are any issues with the nerves that supply this area or with conditions such as shingles

(2)muscles- there can be muscle strain or injury- in this case, there may be some tenderness when palpating the muscles and the pain may be worse with particular movements

(3)costochondritis- this may be the source of your pain- costochondritis refers to pain that is due to inflammation of the cartilage where the ribs attach to the sternum (bone in the center)

There is tenderness on pressing this area and the pain may be worse with certain movements.
It can be constant but the intensity varies (it would wax and wane)

It is treated with anti inflammatory medication and warm compresses.

Anti inflammatory meds- ibuprofen, naproxen, celebrex etc.
If there is no improvement then your doctor may suggest injecting medication to the area

(4)related to the heart- this is pain that occurs in persons with a history of heart disease or severe uncontrolled high blood pressure or diabetes or high cholesterol or smokers
It is usually with activity and stops with rest. Does not start up when a person is resting or sitting down usually.

May be associated with shortness of breath

(5)related to the lungs-usually there may be history of shortness of breath or coughing or other respiratory symptoms

I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions

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