Question: I am a 73 year old active adult. I cycle regularly (60 - 100 miles weekly). I take no medication. Several weeks ago, while on a bike ride in very heavy wind, I noticed that each time we rode into the wind, I had a "feeling" (a pressure? on my sternum). It subsided when not going into the wind and I thought nothing of it. Had another ride within the week (25 miles) and did not notice ANY symptoms. Then, on the next ride (in very cold conditions) I had a recurrence of the sensation. No difficulty breathing; no heart irregularity (I wear a heart monitor)...just the sensation. Next ride, I again noticed the sensation, but after 30 minutes or so, it subsided - or at least reduced by 80% - and I finished the ride with no discomfort. However, I do notice that I have a mild sensation at the sternum almost constantly. It does not restrict my activity; my resting pulse is 66 YYYY@YYYY . The ONLY thing that I did differently within this time frame was I inhaled some "essential oils" daily for a few days. Could that have created an irritation in my lungs, and what must I do to deal with this problem? **If there is any fee for this consultation, please cancel my question...no offense.

If it is heart related, why am I able to "work through it" and after a brief time continue my exercises with no ill effects? I am able to actually increase my physical stress level (increase my bike speed) after the initial symptoms. If there are potential blockages, how can that be? Would I not have any additional cardiac symptoms...ie: pain into left arm, etc? Could this not be simply stress related tightening of the chest muscles? I think you are being overly protective and I understand that. However, it seems excessive to me. Why does my pulse remain steady and strong?