Recurring chest discomfort during exercise can be alarming. Chest tightness while running could signal a number of health conditions. In order to properly identify the problem, consult with your physician to receive a thorough physical examination and necessary testing. Discontinue running until medical evaluation is complete. Although noncardiac causes of chest tightness -- such as seasonal allergies and pulled muscles -- are common, don't overlook more serious conditions such as coronary artery disease or pneumonia.
Pulmonary Conditions
If you consistently have chest tightness when running, you may have exercise-induced bronchoconstriction, or EIB, during which the tubes that bring air in and out of your lungs narrow with strenuous activity. Asthma and allergies to pollutants and high pollen levels can cause chest tightening, shortness of breath and wheezing, among other symptoms. Severe lung-related conditions such as pneumonia and pulmonary embolism, or blood clot to the lung, can also cause chest tightness.
Muscular Causes
If you have just begun a running program, you may now be exercising the largely unused chest muscle. A straining or inflammation of the muscles and tendons between the ribs may cause you to experience chest tightness. Overexerting or making any forceful movements while running can result in a pulled muscle, which will be more noticeable during strenuous activity. Often, the area of tightness will be tender or painful to the touch and an over-the-counter medication such as ibuprofen could offer relief.
Heart-Related Discomfort
Perhaps the most concerning causes of chest tightness during running are cardiac in nature. Angina is a type of chest discomfort that occurs because your heart is not getting enough oxygenated blood during exertion; it may feel like a tightness, pressure or crushing pain and radiate to the arm, jaw or back. Angina typically resolves at rest, but could be a warning sign of coronary artery disease, plaque or blockage that obstruct the artery supplying blood to your heart. Myocardial infarction, or heart attack, can also cause chest tightness; discomfort from a heart attack often will not be relieved by rest and present with dizziness, sweating and shortness of breath.
Other Causes and Considerations
Digestive conditions such as acid reflux and gallbladder infections also can be the cause of chest tightness while running. If this symptom recurs or worsens, consult with a physician for a proper evaluation. If chest discomfort comes on suddenly and severely, with or without associated symptoms such as difficulty breathing or sweating, seek medical attention immediately. Although chest tightness could indicate an easily correctable minor issue, it also may be a red flag that you are harboring a more severe problem.
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