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What Causes Pain In Chest And Sternum With Normal Cardiac Work?
Question: I am a 41 year old female, 140 pounds overweight, quit smoking 8 years ago, non-drinker. I had complete blood panel done 8 months ago, blood pressure, blood sugar and cholesterol were all within normal limits, not even at "pre" levels. I had a heart scan 2 months ago and was given a score of 0. My parents are in their 60's with no history of heart disease. All of this seems like great news. I have had a "spring cold" for the past 3 days with congestion, cough and a strained rhomboid muscle. I am having some chest pains in the center and to the right of my sternum and am concerned because I'm also experiencing shortness of breath when walking about an 8th of a mile or going up 1 flight of stairs. This came on around the same time as my cold. Prior to that, I was walking 1 mile in 20 minutes, twice a day without the shortness of breath. Should I be concerned about something that wasn't detected in the scan? I can't shake the feeling that there's something wrong with my heart.
Brief Answer:
Possibility of bronchitis is more in your case.
Detailed Answer:
Thanks for your question on HCM.
I can understand your situation and problem.
Since your cardiac work up is normal, no need to worry for cardiac cause.
By your history and description, in my opinion you are having post viral bronchitis.
It is common after viral cold.
Bronchitis is inflammation of larger airways.
Because of this, there is inflammation, mucus production and narrowing of airways (bronchospasm).
So patient feels chest congestion and breathing difficulty.
You need to consult pulmonologist and get done
1. Clinical examination of respiratory system
2. PFT (Pulmonary Function Test).
PFT will also tell you about severity of the disease.
And treatment of bronchitis is based on severity only.
You may need inhaled bronchodilators and antihistamines drugs.
So consult pulmonologist and discuss all these.
Hope I have solved your query.
I will be happy to help you further.
Wish you good health.
Thanks.
Possibility of bronchitis is more in your case.
Detailed Answer:
Thanks for your question on HCM.
I can understand your situation and problem.
Since your cardiac work up is normal, no need to worry for cardiac cause.
By your history and description, in my opinion you are having post viral bronchitis.
It is common after viral cold.
Bronchitis is inflammation of larger airways.
Because of this, there is inflammation, mucus production and narrowing of airways (bronchospasm).
So patient feels chest congestion and breathing difficulty.
You need to consult pulmonologist and get done
1. Clinical examination of respiratory system
2. PFT (Pulmonary Function Test).
PFT will also tell you about severity of the disease.
And treatment of bronchitis is based on severity only.
You may need inhaled bronchodilators and antihistamines drugs.
So consult pulmonologist and discuss all these.
Hope I have solved your query.
I will be happy to help you further.
Wish you good health.
Thanks.
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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