What Causes A Burning Sensation In Chest Around The Sternum?

Posted on Mon, 30 May 2016

Question: Hi i start back exercice since 10 days already, i do some cardio training and fitness, after 15 min i always feel a pain in my best its like burning then it stop when i stop exercice...I always worry about my heart...i also a smoker... i have controlled my heart a month ago with exercice stress test, and EKG and doctor say me it was normal but during the exercice i not go up like i do now cause that time was tired and not start exercice yet...What it can be that feeling of burning in my chest mostly around the sternum.

Answered by Dr. Deepak (24 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Probably Gastritis.

Detailed Answer:
Hi.
Welcome to HCM.
Thanks for the query.
I have gone through your complaint and understand your concern.

There is probably nothing abnormal about your heart right now as shown by ECG, Stress test. ECG would have picked up any abnormality.
This is most probably simple Gastritis. No need to worry about your heart.
I would suggest you to start proton pump inhibotors like Tab Omeprazole. one tablet daily, half an hour before food.
Use it for 7-10 days to see improvement.
I'm sure you will find some relief with this.
If symptoms still persists you need to consult your cardiologist.

Hope this helps.

Regards,
Dr.Deepak.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D

Follow up: Dr. Deepak (28 minutes later)

Thanks for your answer doctor,

So for you if my effort test and ekg was normal it will be impossible or near i have cardiac problem?
if its related to stomach or gastric system, can it be normal the pain come when exercice?

Answered by Dr. Deepak (13 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
ECG can rule out most cardiac abnormalities

Detailed Answer:
Hi...
Welcome back.
Thank you for follow up query.

ECG and Stress test are primary screening tests used everywhere now a days.
They can rule out majority of cardiac abnormalities. Very rarely they can miss some internal pathology (could also be due to human error) which can be ruled out by Echocardiography.
If I had similar symptoms and ECG & Stress tests had come normal, I wouldn't worry about my heart.
If you are still not satisfied with ECG and Stress test, you can go for Echo. But I don't think there is any need for Echo right now.

Your symptoms are more probably related to Gastritis rather than heart problem.
Then how to confirm this?? Very simple.......If your symptoms get relieved after taking Omeprazole tablets, then I can assure that Gastritis is the culprit here.

Kindly follow the previous instructions.
Also avoid exercises that can aggravate your symptoms.

Take care, Bye.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D

Follow up: Dr. Deepak (6 hours later)

Last question Doctor, is gastritis and effort sport can be related, because my chest burn only when exercice

Answered by Dr. Deepak (13 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Yes.

Detailed Answer:
Hi.
Welcome back again.

Any stress can induce increased gastric secretion leading to gastritis.
It applies even to "Effort sports". It is just treatable condition as mentioned earlier.
Again I would like to remind you to temporarily stop all those exercises which can provoke chest burn.
You will be fine after starting Omeprazole.

Hope this helps you.
Take care.

Regards,
Dr. Deepak

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Deepak