I just came across this post and responses 6-8 months after posting. However, I do want to add some information to help others with similar pain. I am a 61-year old male. I had a quintuple CABG surgery in August 2009, at the age of 48. I didn't have a heart attack—caught the coronary artery blockages before an attack or muscle damage. I was described as a walking "time bomb.” I was also diagnosed with Hyperlipidemia (cholesterol above 200). In 2010, I had to have a pacemaker implanted due to sick sinus syndrome. In 2011, I had a cardiac ablation to reduce/eliminate my A-Fib after the CABG.
For "years" after my CABG, I complained of a constant left chest pain at a pain-level of 7-8+ at times to a constant 5-6 out of 10, discomfort, and chest tightness. (This was different from the cardiac rehab-level chest pain!) It was hard for me take in deep breadths. The pain became intense enough that it masked itself as a potential heart attack. I went to the ER numerous times, and of course with a CABG and pacemaker history, I was immediately taken in, numerous tests were conducted, but the outcomes were all similar--no issues with my heart or arteries! They may give nitro pills to reduce the chest pain--again thinking cardiac. I became totally frustrated and stopped going to the ER--I lived with the constant pain, but I did mention it to my primary care and cardiologist during my office visits. Okay, you may be saying why. If I had other pain requiring emergency assistance, I would go.
Jumping ahead to December 29, 2022, I had extreme chest pain that would not stop. I was still in a state of mind not to go to the ER. I did go to my cardiologist and an EKG done and a couple of other tests--same result, not your heart. However, the next few words were the first time I heard the following from any doctor, including my previous primary care and cardiologist--your pain is "Neurological."
My cardiologist sent me to the ER since I presented indications of a stroke or TIA. At the ER, several more tests were conducted regarding the potential stroke. In the end, no stroke, a potential TIA.
I followed up with a Neurologist a week after the ER visit. Yes, she was treating me as minor stroke/TIA. In the discussions, I complained about the chest pain and described the pain to her. We did additional tests, and she came to the conclusion that I was suffering from "Intercostal Neuralgia" and probably have been for the past 9-10 years. My life is now with an additional medication, just add it to the pile of pills I take. I have been on gabapentin now for the last 3 weeks and now am increasing to 900mg/day (taken 300mg x3/day). I do hope this works to mask this chest pain.
The moral of my story for all that reads this, continue to discuss with your doctors if you have chest pain described here and other posts.