Hi doctor, I am 21 years old, and I visited my GP today, who thinks that I may have chondritis. I just have a question regarding the difference between this and heart attacks. The pain has been varying from the right side of my left pectoral to the left side of my left pectoral muscle. Being fairly young, this had made be worry a lot. Please help.
Hello. Firstly, to begin with, the probability of heart attack is very less at this age. Costochondritis pain will increases on applying pressure over the area, if yes, it could be costochondritis. This is the most important sign of costochondritis. Heart attack pain will be very severe on the left side, which is associated with radiating pain to the left arm and a lot of sweating. It will not last more than 24 to 48 hours in severe heart attack and more than 20 minutes in a minor heart attack. To clear your doubt, you can get an ECG (electrocardiogram) done. Overall, I do not think it to be a cardiac pain. Hope this helps you and get back if you have any doubts. For more information consult a cardiologist online -->