[45F] Experiencing sharp chest pain and shortness of breath

What might be happening

Based on the information you provided, possible diagnoses include:

• Angina: This is a type of chest pain caused by reduced blood flow to the heart. The pain is often described as squeezing, pressure, heaviness, tightness or pain in your chest. Angina, also called angina pectoris, is often described as squeezing, pressure, heaviness, tightness or pain in your chest.

  • Treatment typically involves lifestyle changes, medication, and sometimes, surgery.

• Heart Attack: A heart attack occurs when the blood flow that brings oxygen to the heart muscle is severely reduced or cut off completely. This happens because the coronary arteries that supply the heart with blood can slowly become thicker and harder from a buildup of fat, cholesterol and other substances, called plaque.

  • Treatment for a heart attack usually includes medications, surgical procedures, and lifestyle changes.

• Costochondritis: This is an inflammation of the junctions where the upper ribs join with the cartilage that holds them to the breastbone, or sternum. The condition causes localized chest pain that you can reproduce by pushing on the cartilage in the front of your ribcage.

  • Treatment involves pain relief with over-the-counter drugs such as ibuprofen or naproxen, which also reduce inflammation.

• Breast Conditions: Given your history of a breast mass, conditions such as mastitis (inflammation of breast tissue) or a breast cyst could be causing your symptoms.

  • Treatment depends on the specific condition, but may include antibiotics for infections or surgical procedures for cysts or tumors.

What you can do

Given the severity of your chest pain and its potential to be related to a serious condition like a heart attack, you should seek immediate medical attention.

What you should look out for

If you experience any of the following symptoms, you should seek immediate medical attention:

• The chest pain spreads to your jaw, left arm, or back
• You feel sick to your stomach, vomit, or feel overly tired or short of breath
• You feel dizzy or lightheaded
• Your heart beats faster or slower than usual
• You feel like your heart is skipping a beat or has added beats
• You break out in a cold sweat
• You have a history of heart disease (angina, coronary artery disease, or myocardial infarction)
• You have a low threshold for exercise
• You have risk factors for heart disease, such as high cholesterol, high blood pressure, smoking, family history of heart disease, obesity, or diabetes.

Remember, I'm an AI and this advice is based on the information you've provided. It's always a good idea to consult with a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis.