Chest pain is a common reason why people visit hospital emergency rooms. Chest pain brought on by exercise can stem from any number of sources. The causes vary from not serious to life-threatening. Diagnosing the cause depends on the nature and location of the pain, precipitating factors, what makes the pain go away or whether the pain spreads to other parts of the body.
Heartburn
Heartburn pain usually presents as a sharp, burning sensation just below the ribs. Sometimes the pain can be so severe that you might think you are having a heart attack. Pain often comes after eating, exercising or while lying down. In most cases, heartburn pain does not radiate to the shoulders, neck or arm, although it can. Rigorous, high-impact aerobic exercises put more strain on the abdomen. This forces acid from the stomach into the esophagus. Low-impact activities like walking, swimming and bicycling can help you manage heartburn and maintain a healthy weight.
Coronary Artery Disease
Heart problems can mimic the symptoms of heartburn. Severe pain in the center of the chest could be a possible sign of heart attack. Pain may come on suddenly causing a shortness of breath. Individuals can experience a feeling of fullness, tightness or a dull pressure in the chest area. Seek medical help if pain lasts for more than a few minutes or spreads to the shoulders, arm, neck or jaw. A build up of fatty deposits narrows the coronary arteries allowing less blood to pass through. When you exercise, the cells in the heart need more oxygen. Angina pain can be the result when the heart muscle doesn't get an adequate blood and oxygen supply. Rest and medication normally relieve angina pain.
Exercise-Induced Asthma
Physical activity triggers exercise-induced asthma in some people. Symptoms occur when the airways tighten, making it difficult to breathe. Some individuals experience symptoms such as chest tightness or pain, shortness of breath or fatigue within a few minutes after they begin to exercise. Others do not get symptoms until a few minutes after they finish exercising. It is possible to suffer symptoms both during and after exercise. You can prevent exercise-induced asthma by performing warm-up and cool-down exercises.
Chest Wall Tenderness
Chest wall muscles can be tender for a variety of reasons. Injury from direct trauma is often the cause, although coughing and weight lifting can be responsible. The pain is usually localized to a small area but is made worse by turning and twisting movements and deep breathing. Chest wall pain can occur spontaneously, but is frequently related to rib fracture or a strain or tear of an intercostal muscle during exercise. The pain and discomfort can last for several hours.
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