Common Causes of Chest Pains While Running

Chest pains while running is a common issue for many new and experienced runners. Causes range from being harmless or potentially life threatening. In this article, we will present three common causes of chest pain during running or strenuous workouts. The information presented in this article as strictly for educational/entertainment purposes only. Anyone experiencing chest pains while running should consult a medical health professional.

Angina Pectoris

Angina pectoris is among the more serious conditions of chest pain during strenuous activity. The condition is another name for coronary heart disease and can be potentially life threatening. According to the American Heart Association, the condition is caused when the myocardium or heart muscle does not get enough blood. The restricted blood flow, especially during intense workouts, can cause a sharp pain or constricting feeling in the chest. Symptoms of Angina Pectoris can be a warning sign of heart disease, enlarged heart and uncontrolled high blood pressure, although rare, states the American Heart Association. Because this condition is potentially life threatening, you should contact a medical health professional to get an accurate diagnosis.

Muscle Growth

According to the Seattle Children's Hospital, chest pain is common during strenuous workout activities that involve the heart muscle. The muscle may feel sore after running, lifting weights, or any type of workout that involves the upper body. Although this condition is common among children, it can also affect adults who have weak upper body muscles from a lack of exercise. Brief chest pain is normal while building muscle mass during intense workouts. However, if the pain continues it could be a symptom of a more serious condition, which may require treatment.

Precordial Catch Syndrome

According to wrongdiagnosis.com, Precordial catch syndrome is a condition that involves chest pains that worsen while breathing. The condition typically is inflamed during strenuous activities that involve heavy use of the heart muscles. The pain usually lasts for about 30 seconds up to three minutes. Symptoms of Precordial catch syndrome consist of sudden sharp chest pain and shallow breathing, states wrongdiagnosis.com. There is currently no cure, but PCS is not considered life threatening.

Weather Conditions

Chest pains may occur during the cold winter and spring months, but not during the warm summer months. The cold air inhaled irritates the lungs and affects many people during winter workouts. I have had this problem during winter workouts, spoke to my doctor, and recommended using an indoor gym so that the air would not affect my breathing.

Sources:

http://www.wrongdiagnosis.com/p/precordial_catch_syndrome/symptoms.htm

http://www.americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=4472

http://www.seattlechildrens.org/medical-conditions/symptom-index/chest-pain/

Personal experience