Costochondritis after heart attack

[Angina42]

Hi all,

so about 6 weeks after my heart attack and stent placement I started to get a lot of sharp pains in my chest, ribs and shoulder blade, which is now up into my shoulder neck that creates headaches at times.

I passed my stress test, CT scan, full blood test and X-rays. All tests clear and heart working great.

I was still in pain though and up until a week ago after visiting an osteopath I didn’t know what was wrong with me.

I am in lots of pain killers but I can’t take any anti inflammatory medication due to my other medications.

Has anyone experienced this diagnosis after a heart attack and what did you do to help with pain.

The GP had always said it was musculoskeletal but never diagnosed me with Costochondritis.

It would make sense as I have all the symptoms and the osteopath agrees with this diagnosis.

Is anyone else living with this and how did you get properly diagnosed ? What pain management, Dr’s or specialists did you see. What has helped you ?

Thanks so much in advance

This had caused so much anxiety due to it being mostly on my left side. Any pain on the left side after a heart attack is really hard to calm down from.

[Stuartglass61]

Hi sorry to hear you have costochondritis after heart attack as it is so stressful . I had heart attack in 2021 & also developed costochondritis mine is chronic & unfortunately not gone away pain is unbearable & mentally sometimes can't help worrying it's heart related .Only advice I can give is to try strongest painkillers you can tolerate be careful of upper chest exercises & easier said than done try not to worry to much Rarely post or comment but really hope your health improves for you

[Desjakey]

Hey

I am going through the exact same thing. I was 3 weeks after my HA and ended up back in A and E thinking I was having another HA. The pain was a breath taking stabbing in my rib cage to the left of my heart.

After the trip to A and E I was confused as ECG and xray were fine, markers were a little high but 1000 times lower than when I had my HA.

The pain kept happening. I ended up using my spray one night as it was making my shoulders and the top of my back tight, but it never helped.

It wasn't until I went to see my cardiologist that he confirmed it defo wasn't my heart.

I then realised it was worse after starting exercising and doing light upper body weights, again, I thought the exercise was causing issues with my heart, but nope it was costochondritis. I had it about 12 years ago for about 9 months. The upper body weights were aggravating it.

I have taken it easy for about 4 weeks. I got a heat pad and diaphragm breathing in bed really helps. I managed light weights this week, so far only slightly tender

Your cardio nurse can refer you to physio, they also offer some exercises for it but to be fair, you can find some online

I hope this helps and let me know how you're getting on.

Take it easy 👍