What is costochondritis?
Costochondritis is inflammation of the cartilage that connects your ribs to the sternum (breastbone). Because the pain occurs in the chest wall, it often mimics heart-attack symptoms and causes significant anxiety.
Dr. Nitish Mandal
Chest pain but your ECG is normal? Why it might be costochondritis
A normal ECG does not diagnose costochondritis. It only makes some heart causes less likely. Chest-wall tenderness on examination is the next question.
A normal ECG does not diagnose costochondritis. It only makes some heart causes less likely. Chest-wall tenderness on examination is the next question.
This article is from Dr. Nitish Mandal, Consultant Pain Physician in Bangalore, with clinics in Koramangala and J.P. Nagar. Reviewed by Dr. Nitish Mandal, MBBS, MD, FIPM, TIPM (Nashville).
Published 2025-06-01 · Updated 2026-09-22
Why standard cardiac tests miss it
Tests like an ECG and TMT measure the heart muscle. Costochondritis is a structural, inflammatory issue of the rib cage, so these tests often return normal results.
Common symptoms
Sharp, aching, or pressure-like pain near the breastbone. Pain that worsens with a deep breath, coughing, or activity. Tenderness when pressing directly on the rib joints.
What comes next after a normal ECG
When painkillers and rest fail, a diagnostic block can confirm a chest-wall source. A targeted injection may follow if that structure is confirmed. Read the full costochondritis page for warnings and differentials.
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I have tried tablets and physiotherapy. What is different here?
Find the source of the pain, then treat that source with a clinic injection, block, or infusion. You are typically able to go home the same day.
Where are the clinics, and do I need an appointment?
Koramangala and J.P. Nagar. Prior appointment is preferred. You can book from this website.