Costochonditis?

Posted by Pearl on July 06, 1999 at 09:22:05
This may not be your field, exactly.  However, can costochondritis mimic angina at all?  Can it cause dull pressure in the chest and up in the upper left collarbone area and shoulder, as well?  Do you ever see patient who end up with costochondritis instead of cardiac problems?  How is it treated?  Thanks.  

Posted by CYoung on July 06, 1999 at 13:50:15
My son had costochontritis at the age of 22.  He said it was very painful.  He went to the emergency room, after giving him a thorough cardiac checkup, ekg,etc.  He was diagnosed with this condition.  Seems it must mimic a heart attack.  He was given a shot for pain and pills for home.  Also has had two female friends who have had it and it was the same for them, went to the emergency room and were diagnosed and treated the same way.  All said it was extremely painful.

Posted by To CYoung on July 06, 1999 at 16:26:43
Thanks for your reply.  May I ask where it was painful?  I realize that it may vary according to the individual.  Is is right in the middle and/or is the arm or upper chest involved?  Thanks very much!

Posted by Julie on July 07, 1999 at 09:01:42
My doctor diagnosed me with costochondritis in February. I went in to see him because I was having a lot of chest pain and also a clicking in my chest. He took numerous x rays to rule out bone problems but did not preform and Echo or an EKG. Most of my pain is right in the middle of my chest, between my breasts. Sometimes, I do get pains in my shoulders but I do not know if that is related to costochondritis. For about 2 weeks, I had pain throughout my entire rib cage also.

Posted by CCF CARDIO MD JMF on July 09, 1999 at 08:22:15
Thank you for your comments.
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