Ok, I had already run about 3 miles, but my chest started hurting. It was high up, felt like right around my heart. My heart was still beating, but when I breathed in hard, I got awful pain. Slowing down and walking made it much less painful. This is the second time I've had this happen, and it's quite disconcerting. Thoughts?
2007-06-20 13:43:06 · 12 answers · asked by Jeremy E 2 in Sports ➔ Running
You're not in shape yet and you're running too hard.
Experienced runners know it's not about speed, but about running smart. You should run every two days for two miles; after a week of that the pain should not be there. The truth is that your heart is getting strained and it's letting you know the same way any other muscle would. If you tried doing 50 pushups too fast, your arms would feel the same way.
You're also stretching the muscles all around your lungs and they are not used to it! Ouch!
Starting off running is the hardest part of all. It's what I hate the most about running, trying to get back into it after a long time off. Really the first three weeks are torture for me, but once you get there it's awesome.
Give your heart a chance to get strong by exercising it carefully for the first three weeks, then increasing your workouts gradually.
I have had this pain many times, I know it well, and it means be careful and slow down. But you will get stronger.
(Disclaimer) Of course if you even think this could be a heart problem, do the safe thing.
2007-06-20 15:34:39 · answer #1 · answered by n0witrytobeamused 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is hard to say. The difference between symptoms of being out of shape and having one of the conditions that will lower heart output is very fine and hard to explain. It doesn't even have to be an enlarged heart. There are plenty of conditions that can cause PACs, a heart murmur, shortness of breath, and chest pains. Most likely, you are out of shape. I'm hoping your legs turn heavy long after your chest pains start. That would make cramps more likely. If you are feeling your legs turn heavy and the sensation spreading to your chest when you are running, then your risk for heart disease is a little higher. If you can run at a fast pace for a minute without feeling more than out of breath, then you are doing ok. If you are dizzy to the point of not being able to stand, that is trouble. Really there is no way to diagnose heart disease without the correct tests. In this case they are bloodwork, EKG, echocardiogram, and stress test. They tend to cost more in the neighborhood of 5 thousand in the US done all at once. I wish you luck. I would never wish what I have on someone else.
2016-04-01 08:43:24 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
i dont know if this relates to you but its more logical than these other answers. there are some people who have abnormally large lungs wich expand even larger to the point to wich they can pop if overexerted. it isnt rare but at the same time isnt found in the majority of people. Most people who have this have a long lanky build and is common in basketball players, runners and lighter weight boxers. I have this and it is very uncomfortable. the best thing for you to do is have an xray done then go from there. in the mean time, slow down a little and dont be a jackass and "push through the pain".its not good for you
2007-06-20 14:00:35 · answer #3 · answered by madness4life 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If this happens just when you run,it could be from lactic acid build-up. Try to breathe deeply when you run. After finishing a run,make sure you walk for a bit as a warm down to regulate your breathing and slow down your system. It is a common thing to happen to runners. If you feel chest pains at other times though,please see a doctor ASAP.
2007-06-20 13:52:55 · answer #4 · answered by willy444 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Does it only happen when running. Sometimes I have had a sharp pain in my heart when I breathed in, but then it went away. The only way I can describe it is like there was gas in my heart! Sounds similar. Shouldn't be anything to worry about, but if it happens frequently you should get it checked out.
2007-06-20 13:49:40 · answer #5 · answered by VOLLEYBALLY 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It might be reactive airways disease, or DOE (dyspnea on exertion)--they are kind of like asthma, but still different. The best thing to do, you did. Slow down and walk the rest of the way. Then again, it might have to do with your heart. Hard to say without knowing your medical history. See a doctor.
2007-06-20 13:48:25 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have this too but I have never found out what it is. For me the only way I can explain it is that it feel sort of like a bubble in your chest. I once tried pounding on my chest to make it go away and that made it go away. My mom had these and said it wasnt anything to worry about
2007-06-20 13:53:01 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would suggest having you cholesterol checked. Your artier may be clogged, which makes it difficult for blood to get to your heart. I would recommend taking a couple days off running, and really be conscious of what your eating. And yes, I do think you need to see a doctor, especially if this is your second time you've had this happen.
2007-06-20 13:54:20 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
C'mon Jeremy, I'm no alarmist but you seem mature enough and smart enough (20% best answer ratio), you should know that you don't ignore such prominent symptoms. The first sign of heart problems sometimes is sudden death. Jim Fixx (runner & author) had symptoms which he ignored.
Get a complete checkup TODAY!! Good Luck
2007-06-20 13:53:56 · answer #9 · answered by snvffy 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Just means your pushing yourself. Good for you!
BTW-hailey W, there are people of all ages on this site
2007-06-20 13:45:55 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋