What Causes Dull Pain In Chest When Under Stress?

Posted on Thu, 23 Apr 2015

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Thu, 23 Apr 2015 Answered on

Wed, 13 May 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : I have had a dull ache in my chest for the last 5 days. If I start feeling stressed about something, the dull ache becomes a quick stab that goes away immediately. I'm a runner, & it actually feels better when I run and for a while after the run. I'm 39 years old with normal blood pressure and at a healthy weight. Should I still be worried about angina?

Answered by Dr. Benard Shehu (27 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
you shouldn't be worried about angina.

Detailed Answer:
Hi and thank you for asking!

Based on what you are saying you shouldn't be worried about angina. The pain isn't typical for angina because:
- chest pain that last for days
- It feel better when you run or for a while after you run.

However if you were my patient I would recommend to do the following examinations to definitely exclude heart problems:
- ECG
- Cardiac echo
- Stress test

Hope this was of help!
Wish you health!
Dr. Shehu

Note: For further queries related to coronary artery disease and prevention, click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar