What is the Difference Between Costochondritis and Heart Attack?

Costochondritis and heart attack are two distinct conditions that can cause chest pain, and it can be challenging to differentiate between them. However, there are some key differences that can help distinguish one from the other:

1. Location of pain: Costochondritis pain is typically focused on a small area and seems to come from the breastbone itself, while heart attack pain may feel as if it's coming from under the breastbone.
2. Pain character: Costochondritis pain usually feels like a dull or sharp soreness in the chest, while heart attack pain typically feels like a crushing weight or pressure on the chest.
3. Pain duration: Costochondritis pain may last for hours to days at a time and is often constant. In contrast, heart attack pain may worsen with physical activity or stress.
4. Additional symptoms: A heart attack usually causes more constant widespread pain and additional symptoms, such as breathlessness, nausea, and sweating. Costochondritis does not typically cause these symptoms.
5. Causes: Costochondritis is caused by inflammation of the cartilage that connects a rib to the breastbone. Heart attack is caused by decreasing or stopping blood flow to the coronary artery of the heart, which causes damage to the heart muscle.

If you or someone you're with experiences sudden chest pain and there's a possibility it could be a heart attack, it is advised to seek immediate medical help. If the pain is more localized and constant, it may be worth consulting a healthcare provider to investigate the cause and receive appropriate treatment.

Comparative Table: Costochondritis vs Heart Attack

Here is a table comparing the differences between costochondritis and heart attack:

It is essential to seek medical help if you experience chest pain, as it can be difficult to differentiate between costochondritis and more serious conditions like a heart attack without a proper evaluation.