Heart Health

Chest pain that's not a heart attack

Ask the doctor

My brother went to the emergency room because he thought he was having a heart attack. Instead, he was diagnosed with costochondritis. What is that?

Most often, the underlying cause isn't known, but it can result from trauma, such as a blow to the chest, or physical strain, such as heavy lifting or strenuous exercise. Even severe coughing may lead to costochondritis. Other possible causes include arthritis or a joint infection.

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