What Causes Pain In Chest Area After Exercising?
I am a 59 year old female in good health. I know I have MVP(I saw a cardiologist at age 50 and 57, just to be proactive with heart health), but have never had symptoms. I walk 3-7 miles 3x a week with ease(no elevations). In this past week I have taken 4 hour long hikes with a sizable incline and decline. The incline usually has me breathing harder. The last 2 times, when i have completed the hike, my i feel a slight pressure in my chest, on my heart side. when i breath in deeply, i feel a slight pain/slight pressure in the area. Now, two hours later, the discomfort is 90 per cent gone. I plan to call the cardiologist tomorrow, but I am wondering what this could be?
Following answer to your query...
Detailed Answer:
Hi and thank you for asking!
I read your query and understood your concerns.
You have experienced episodes of chest pain on extreme exercise within last weeks and these may be a sign for cardiac problems. The most common cardiac problems associated with chest pain on effort are ischemic heart disease (including unstable angina, new onset angina etc.) and valvular disease.
It's a good thing that the pain is 90% gone, however if it persist after several hours or it become worse (increase it's intensity) you should go immediately to ER to exclude life threatening situations (myocardial infarction).
If you were my patient I would recommend to do the following examinations to find out the cause of your symptoms:
- Blood work including heart enzymes
- ECG
- Cardiac ECHO
- Stress test
Wish you health!
Dr. Shehu