Costochondritis causes chest pain in millions of women, often mistaken for heart attacks

Costochondritis is a condition that causes severe chest pain, often mistaken for a heart attack. It occurs when the cartilage connecting the ribs to the breastbone becomes inflamed. While benign, the pain can be debilitating and may last from minutes to hours. Many people, especially women, may suffer from costochondritis without proper diagnosis. Estimates suggest that 1 to 2 million emergency room visits for chest pain each year could be due to this condition. Symptoms can arise from strenuous activities, heavy lifting, or even without clear cause. Diagnosis is challenging as it requires ruling out other serious conditions. Treatment typically involves rest, over-the-counter pain relief, and sometimes physical therapy. The condition usually resolves on its own within four weeks but can recur.