Chest pain is no laughing matter. So when you experience a sharp pain when exercising, you may be understandably concerned. While chest pain does not always indicate you have a serious heart condition, it can signal that you are pushing yourself too hard or are experiencing some problem with the heart. A physician's office is the best place to start to rule out more serious conditions before continuing your exercise routine.
Exercise and Chest Pain
When you exercise, you are placing greater demands on your body. This elevates your heart rate because your body needs blood pumped faster to its tissues. Your breathing rate also increases to take in enough oxygen to send to the tissues along with your blood. If your heart is not equipped to support these extra demands, your chest may begin to feel squeezed because the heart is working overtime to move blood through your body. If you experience this symptom, slow down your exercise routine to see if the sharp pain subsides. If it does not, however, or the pain is very severe, seek immediate medical attention.
Muscle-Related Pain
Chest pain does not always indicate that your heart is affected. Chest pain can come from lung, esophagus, muscle, rib, tendon or nerve pain that concentrates into the chest. When you exercise, each of these are challenged in some way, which can lead to chest pain. While pain does not necessarily indicate a more serious condition, it can indicate that you may be pushing yourself too hard in your exercise routine. Exercise may cause some discomfort or challenge to your muscles, but it should not be to the point of pain.
Pulmonary Embolism
In addition to the symptom of sharp chest pain, it is important to evaluate any other symptoms you are experiencing related to the exercise. For example, sharp chest pain accompanied by pain when breathing deeply, a rapid heartbeat or sweating can indicate a pulmonary embolism, or blood clot, in the lung. A pulmonary embolism is a medical emergency that warrants immediate attention. Cease exercising immediately and have someone drive you to the emergency room.
Heart Attack
While not all sharp chest pain experienced during exercise indicates an immediate medical emergency, sharp chest pain can sometimes be a sign of a heart attack. Chest pain when exercising that subsides at rest is one of the precursors to a heart attack. In addition to chest pain, other symptoms include pressure, fullness, fainting, shortness of breath or pain that radiates to other parts of your body. If you believe you may be experiencing a heart attack, seek immediate emergency attention. The faster you can receive care for a heart attack, the better your outcome may be.
