hi. im a really active 24 year old, used to smoke, but maybe 2 cigarettes a day at most. lately i have been having pain in my lower left rib area. its is a very short stabbing pain, then it disappears. i did injure my ribs many years ago and my left rib cage is stick out considerably more than my right. im unsure if this has to do with my heart, due to the area for which i am getting the pain. its exactly to the left of my breastbone.
Thanks for your question on Chat Doctor. I can understand your concern. Possibility of musculoskeletal pain is more likely. But since you are a active smoker and having left sided chest pain, we should definitely rule out heart diseases first. So get done ECG and 2d echo. If both these are normal then no need to worry about heart diseases. Quit smoking immediately as it is very bad habit. Apply warm water pad on affected areas of chest. Yoi can take painkiller like ibuprofen or acetaminophen.Don't worry, you will be alright with all these but quit smoking as soon as possible. Hope I have solved your query. I will be happy to help you further. Wish you good health. Thanks.