If you're exercising and you experience pain behind the breast, you shouldn't ignore it. In most cases, the pain won't represent anything serious. However, it possibly could signal heart disease or even a heart attack, especially if you're out-of-shape and haven't exercised much recently. You should seek medical attention to rule out a heart attack if the pain comes on suddenly or feels severe. Pain behind the breast during exercise also could indicate gallbladder disease or inflammation in your rib cage.
Heart Disease
Chest pain due to clogged arteries and coronary artery disease can surface during exercise -- in fact, patients undergoing treadmill stress tests often experience this type of pain, according to the Towson University Wellness Center. You usually feel pain because your heart can't get enough blood to function properly, although other forms of heart disease also can cause discomfort or pain. The pain can feel as if it's centered in the middle of your chest or behind your left breast, or it could feel more diffuse. You may feel sensations of pressure or squeezing. If you feel this type of pain during exercise, stop and seek medical assistance to rule out a heart attack.
Gallbladder Disease
Gallbladder disease also can cause pain that feels as if it's centered behind your breast -- in this case, your right breast. Most people feel pain several hours after they've eaten, which can correspond with your normal exercise time, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. People who have gallbladder disease describe the pain as "gnawing" or "sharp." You might also experience other digestive symptoms, such as nausea or vomiting. If you experience this type of pain during exercise, you should stop exercising to see if that alleviates the sensation. If that doesn't work, contact your physician.
Costochondritis
Costochondritis, an inflammation of the connective tissue between your ribs, also can cause pain that feels as if it originates behind the breast, according to the University of Cincinnati's NetWellness website. Overuse of your chest muscles or an injury can cause costochondritis, as can arthritis or even a virus. If your doctor has diagnosed you with costochondritis, you may be able to alleviate the pain by slacking off on your exercise routine, or by taking an over-the-counter pain reliever.
Breast Pain
Even though you feel as if your pain originates behind your breast, if you're a woman, it's possible that the pain stems from your breast itself, according to Harvard Medical School. Your breasts require support during exercise, and they can become sore if you fail to wear a stout exercise bra, especially during aerobic activities. In addition, if you strain your chest muscles due to weight-lifting or even activities such as snow shoveling or raking leaves, you can feel pain in or behind your breast. To differentiate between potentially serious conditions and simple exercise-related muscle strains, that could cause your pain behind the breast, you'll need to see your physician.
