Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
What Causes Heaviness Under The Left Breast At Rib Cage?
Question: After 2 years, I continue to have heaviness under left breast at ribcage. It now hurts mildly, but last week at EKGcheckup(normal) when RN pressed tab under breast, a sharp pain occurred and just "zipped" to side ribage area to lower back and stopped. Since then more discomfort. Had normal mammo 2 months ago.
Brief Answer:
may need stress test, possible costochondritis
Detailed Answer:
Hello and thanks for your question.
The fact that you are 65 an have had heaviness under the left breast for 2 years would certainly suggest a need for a stress test on your heart to make sure there are no coronary artery blockages. Women sometimes do not have typical anginal symptoms (chest pressure, shortness of breath, left arm pain, sweating etc). Also women are at more risk for coronary disease after the age of sixty especially if they have other risks like smoking, diabetes, family history of heart disease, hypertension and high cholesterol. If you have any of those risks then you definitely need a stress test. An EKG shows the rate and rhythm of the heart but often be normal even in patients with advanced heart disease.
On the other hand, when you say that the nurse pushing on your chest wall set off pain, this may indicate that you have some inflammation in the cartilage or nerves of the chest wall. It is unlikely that this would persist for two years but it is possible.
Please discuss these things with your doctor and ask them if they will send you for a stress test to make sure your heart is okay. If your heart is fine they they can take their time and find out what is causing your pain but heart disease needs to be ruled out immediately.
Regards,
K. Robinson MD
may need stress test, possible costochondritis
Detailed Answer:
Hello and thanks for your question.
The fact that you are 65 an have had heaviness under the left breast for 2 years would certainly suggest a need for a stress test on your heart to make sure there are no coronary artery blockages. Women sometimes do not have typical anginal symptoms (chest pressure, shortness of breath, left arm pain, sweating etc). Also women are at more risk for coronary disease after the age of sixty especially if they have other risks like smoking, diabetes, family history of heart disease, hypertension and high cholesterol. If you have any of those risks then you definitely need a stress test. An EKG shows the rate and rhythm of the heart but often be normal even in patients with advanced heart disease.
On the other hand, when you say that the nurse pushing on your chest wall set off pain, this may indicate that you have some inflammation in the cartilage or nerves of the chest wall. It is unlikely that this would persist for two years but it is possible.
Please discuss these things with your doctor and ask them if they will send you for a stress test to make sure your heart is okay. If your heart is fine they they can take their time and find out what is causing your pain but heart disease needs to be ruled out immediately.
Regards,
K. Robinson MD
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Oddly enough I have had shortness of breath and I have an appt. with cardiologist XXXXXXX 1 for stress test. I had no idea this could be related, and yes I have a family history (maternal) and a large number 9, of heart problems on Moms side of the family. This is quite an eye opener, I would love to be rid of this feeling, causing me stress. Thanks for your excellent care!
Brief Answer:
you are welcome
Detailed Answer:
I am so glad to hear that you are getting a stress test done. Coronary disease can be very hard to sort out in women because we often have symptoms that are not typical.
Best to you,
K.Robinson MD
you are welcome
Detailed Answer:
I am so glad to hear that you are getting a stress test done. Coronary disease can be very hard to sort out in women because we often have symptoms that are not typical.
Best to you,
K.Robinson MD
Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
