Differential Diagnosis for Chest Pain with Right Arm Tightness in a 30-year-old Female
Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Musculoskeletal strain or costochondritis: This is often the most common cause of chest pain with arm tightness in a young adult, especially if there's a history of recent physical activity or trauma. The pain is typically sharp and localized to the chest wall or the area around the ribs.
Other Likely Diagnoses
- Anxiety or panic disorder: These conditions can cause chest pain and sensations of tightness or discomfort in the arms, often accompanied by other symptoms like palpitations, shortness of breath, and fear of losing control.
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD): GERD can cause chest pain that may radiate to the arms, especially after eating or at night, due to stomach acid flowing back into the esophagus.
- Precordial catch syndrome: This condition involves sharp, stabbing chest pain that can radiate to the arms, often worsened by deep breathing or movement.
Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Myocardial infarction (MI) or acute coronary syndrome: Although less common in young females, MI can occur, especially with risk factors like smoking, hypertension, or a family history of early heart disease. The pain is typically described as a heavy, squeezing sensation.
- Pulmonary embolism (PE): Sudden onset of chest pain and shortness of breath, possibly accompanied by arm pain, could indicate a PE, which is life-threatening and requires immediate medical attention.
- Aortic dissection: Severe, tearing chest pain that radiates to the back or arms can be a sign of an aortic dissection, a medical emergency.
Rare Diagnoses
- Tietze's syndrome: A rare condition characterized by inflammation of the cartilages and surrounding tissues of the ribs, leading to chest pain and swelling.
- Spinal disc disease or thoracic outlet syndrome: These conditions can cause arm pain and, less commonly, chest pain due to nerve compression or irritation.
- Pericarditis: Inflammation of the pericardium, the sac surrounding the heart, can cause sharp chest pain that may improve with sitting up and leaning forward, occasionally radiating to the arms.