What Causes Chest Pain During Exertion?
Question: What could cause Short chest pain during exertion? I exercise every morning for 30 minutes taking heart-rate to around 145 with peaks during climbs at 170. About 1 in 20 work-outs I will experience a sharp chest pain in the centre of my chest that lasts approximately 1-2 seconds.
What could this be caused by and what, if any, tests are recommended?
I previously did a treadmill stress test 2.5 years ago which was normal, so my doctors will not recommend another one but this pain is causing me concern, when it happens of course.
Brief Answer:
Rib nerve irritation.
Detailed Answer:
Hello!
Thank you for the query.
Such sharp chest pain which last for few seconds is caused by rib nerve irritation due to exercises you perform. It can be caused by some spine problems, rib nerve inflammation, however most probably it is just an irritation due to rib momentary dislocation.
You may try to have better warmup in this area before you start exercises. Magnesium supplementation can be also beneficial.
So if your pain does not radiate to the left arm, jaw, no shortness of breath, nothing serious is happening.
Hope this will help. Feel free to ask further questions.
Regards.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Thanks for the quick reply. The one thing I don't understand is how would rib-nerve inflammation be caused by exercise on a bike? I suppose when you pedal there are some muscle in the chest that are involved.
I guess my problem is I keep thinking it is cardiovascular related and every time it happens (one in a while) i get all worried..
Brief Answer:
.
Detailed Answer:
I just mentioned inflammation as a one possibility. But in your case, some ribs movements are causing it, not inflammation.
This is very common that sharp chest pain causes a lot of stress and worsens the symptoms. But heart pain is never sharp and well located.
Heart pain is dull, squeezing, located on the left side. It radiates to the arm or jaw.
You are young person and heart problems are hardly possible at your age.
Regards.
Note: For further queries related to coronary artery disease and prevention, click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar