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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Causes Pain And Tightness In The Sternum?

About 2 - 3 times a month I will experience a pressure/ tightness in my sternam area but also when this happens I experience pain in my left jaw ! Discomfort may last up to a minute or so.I am female 61 years old, 5ft tall, over weight by 50lbs and have some arthritic symptoms in knees and fingers.
Wed, 17 Aug 2016
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General & Family Physician,  's  Response
HI, thanks for using healthcare magic

The chest pain should be investigated especially if it occurs during period of activity when the heart works more.

The pain in the jaw may or may not be related and should also be assessed

Chest pain can be related to any structure in the chest from the skin inwards.
Skin- shingles but a rash is usually seen
Muscles and soft tissue injury or inflammation
Bones- arthritis or costochondritis
Lungs- infection, inflammation, clot, asthma
Heart
Esophagus- reflux
Anxiety is also a cause

Examination by your doctor and assessment with an ECG would be needed. It is best, because of your age, to rule out heart disease

A chest x ray would be done if it is thought to be from the lungs.

I hope this helps

An
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What Causes Pain And Tightness In The Sternum?

HI, thanks for using healthcare magic The chest pain should be investigated especially if it occurs during period of activity when the heart works more. The pain in the jaw may or may not be related and should also be assessed Chest pain can be related to any structure in the chest from the skin inwards. Skin- shingles but a rash is usually seen Muscles and soft tissue injury or inflammation Bones- arthritis or costochondritis Lungs- infection, inflammation, clot, asthma Heart Esophagus- reflux Anxiety is also a cause Examination by your doctor and assessment with an ECG would be needed. It is best, because of your age, to rule out heart disease A chest x ray would be done if it is thought to be from the lungs. I hope this helps An