Chest Pain During Exertion: Is It Dangerous?

It can be alarming to feel chest pain during physical activity. Whether it happens while running, lifting weights, or performing high-intensity workouts, it’s natural to wonder: Is it normal to have chest pain during exercise, or is it a sign of something more serious?

Fortunately, understanding what causes chest pain when exercising can help you know when to slow down, seek medical help, and call 911.

Potential Causes of Chest Pain During Exertion

Several conditions can trigger chest pain during physical activity. Some are minor and temporary, while others may indicate a serious underlying issue. These are some of the potential causes of your chest pain.

Coronary Artery Disease

Coronary artery disease (CAD) occurs when plaque builds up in the arteries that supply blood to the heart muscle. This restricts the flow of oxygen-rich blood.

Signs of CAD include:

• A tight, squeezing, or aching feeling in the chest
• Pain that spreads to the arms, shoulders, jaw, or back
• Shortness of breath, dizziness, or nausea while active

If you notice these symptoms during activity, you should be evaluated by a local heart specialist.

Muscle Strain

Not all chest pain during physical activity is heart-related. Chest discomfort from muscle strain, especially from overuse or heavy lifting, is also common.

More specifically, your chest pain might be from muscle strain if you have:

• Sharp pain that worsens with movement of the chest or upper spine
• Tenderness when pressing on a specific area

Most muscle strains typically resolve on their own with rest, icing the area, compression, and elevation.  

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)

Acid reflux, or GERD, can cause chest pain during physical activity if you eat too close to a workout. As stomach acid moves back into the esophagus, it can cause a burning sensation in the chest.

GERD may be behind your discomfort if you notice:

• Burning in the chest, especially after eating
• Pain that worsens when lying down or bending over
• A sour taste in the mouth or frequent burping

If you think GERD is triggering your chest pain, avoid heavy meals before exercising and stay upright after working out.

Costochondritis

Costochondritis is inflammation of the cartilage that joins the ribs to the breastbone. It often mimics heart pain during exercise and can happen after repetitive motion, heavy lifting, or intense coughing.

This pain is typically:

• Sharp or achy and near the breastbone
• Worsens with deep breaths, coughing, or sneezing
• Felt more often on the left side of the breastbone

The good news is that this condition is not life-threatening. Still, if you have persistent pain, make an appointment to see a doctor.

Pulmonary Embolism

A pulmonary embolism (PE) is a medical emergency where a blood clot moves to the lungs and blocks blood flow. If you notice any of these symptoms, it's essential to call 911 immediately, especially if you have a known blood clotting disorder or have recently traveled:

• Sudden, sharp chest pain that worsens with deep breaths or coughing
• Rapid heart rate, dizziness, or coughing up blood
• Shortness of breath that is severe or sudden

What To Do If You Experience Chest Pain During Cardio

Never ignore chest pain during exercise. Instead, stop exercising and rest. If you do experience chest pain with exercise, you need to see a cardiac physician.  

When to Call 911

Specific symptoms, such as those related to a pulmonary embolism, need immediate medical attention. In general, you should call 911 if you experience the following:

• Any severe chest pain lasting more than a few minutes
• Pain that spreads to the arms, back, jaw, or neck
• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
• Dizziness, nausea, or cold sweats
• Swelling in one leg

Trust Your Instincts: Get Checked if You Experience Chest Pain

While some mild discomfort during exercise can be due to non-cardiac causes like muscle strain or GERD, chest pain during exertion should never be ignored. This is especially true if it’s severe, persistent, or occurs with other symptoms.

At The Cardiovascular Center of Florida, our heart experts diagnose and treat heart-related chest pain. If you’ve experienced severe or persistent chest pain, particularly during exercise, don’t wait to schedule an appointment with one of our Central Florida cardiologists today.