Greetings.
Do you have diabetes, take alcohol regularly, are a smoker, stressed, sedentary, have a high lipid profile (cholesterol and triglycerides)?
Any significant past medical or surgical history apart from high BP?
Any family history?
Does the pain increases on walking or exertion?
Is there any tenderness?
Dr. Arun
Thanks for your quick response.
Not diabetic
Non smoker - stopped 18 years ago
Somewhat stressed
Not too sedentary - works out in gym 4 - 5 days a week
Cholestrol always below 4,5
Had Gall Bladder removed earlier this year (laparoscopy)
Had mild sunstroke in September
Pain does not increase - actually feel better after cycling for 10 min
No marked tenderness
You are most welcome.
An high index of suspicion has to be kept with this pain and an EKG, blood test for heart enzymes and echocardiography are mandatory in your age group and with the medical history, to categorically rule out relationship with the heart. If these are normal, following can be the possibilities;
1) Costochondritis; it is inflammation at the junctions of rib and cartilage or with the breast bone / sternum. Local analgesic ointment, or spray, chest brace and warm compresses with Ibuprofen is helpful. Another possibility is muscle sprain. Please read about the costochondritis;
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/costochondritis/DS00626
2) Pinched nerve in the neck can also cause chest pain. A physical examination by a doctor is usually able to give concrete clues to the diagnosis.
Please feel free for your follow up questions.
Doctor (MD)
MBBS, MS (General Surgery), Post-doctoral Fellowship in Sports Medicine