Fast heart rate with slight chest pain

[Nessa3284]

I have been having a rapid heart beat with what feels to be muscular chest pain. I went to the ER a few days ago for it. The did an ekg, CT scan, and a cbc and said everything looks good. No signs of CAD, embolism, or anything else. I have an overall unusual feeling in my stomach and chest. The ER doctor recommended to see a cardiologist because my heart rate is so high at rest. I know it's not life threatening, or I wouldn't have been sent home and told I am healthy on paper. My question is, what could be causing this? And what will a cardiologist look for that ER didn't? I am a 32 yo female, smoker, and overweight.

[achillea]

In an otherwise healthy person, an elevated heart rate can be caused by fever (which you don't mention), pain, and worry (both of which you do allude to, sort of).

You mention 'severe rib cage pain,' and given your age and sex, costochondritis is a real possibility.  I have had it off and on, and it is no fun.  However, it is treatable:

http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/costochondritis/basics/definition/con-20024454

[tom_h]

Is your heart rate elevated all of time, or does it come and go?  How fast is your heart rate?  We need more facts..

[Nessa3284]

It's elevated quite frequently. Jumps around pretty quickly. Like in a 5 mins time frame it can go from 95bpm to 120 bpm just because I got up. The highest it has gotten is 160, but it will take about an hour to get below 100 even just elevated to 120. My waking is usually 80-90 bpm. I went to see my pcp today who referred me to a cardiologist and is saying my severe ribcage pain might just be GERD so he gave me a script for that.