I m a 31 male, in great shape. I was working out this morning and noticed a subtle pain underneath my left chest area, seemingly originating under the left breastplate. Almost directly underneath my left nipple, and on the left side of the left pectoral muscle. Though it feels like the pain is coming from underneath the rib cage a bit. Now I did take a pre-workout stimulant before the workout, but I have done this in the past and have never experienced this kind of issue. Not sure if that rules it out, but wanted to put it out there. The pain is dull and has come and gone throughout the day. It wasn t debilitating, nor did it prevent me from doing anything today. To be honest I really only noticed it when I was sitting down watching TV. I don t have a shortness of breath or any of the other symptoms of heart related issues (so I believe). But I was a bit frightened by it and figured I would check on here. FYI, yesterday I did work out my chest, and the pain did not increase during the cardio portion of my workout this morning. Any help is appreciated.
Thanks for your question on Chat Doctor. By your detailed history I think you are having musculoskeletal pain. But as a rule any left sided chest pain should be evaluated for cardiac cause first. So I advise you to get done ECG first to rule out cardiac cause. If this is normal than no need to worry. This is musculoskeletal pain only. Try to follow these.1. Avoid strenuous exercise. 2. Avoid heavy weight lifting. 3. Avoid bad posture during sleep.4. Take good painkillers and muscle relaxant. 5. Wear chest belt for minimal mobilization of affected part.6. Apply warm water pad to affected area.