Chest pain after exercise isn’t always serious, but it’s always best to get checked out. While some causes of post-exercise chest pain — such as acid reflux or a pulled muscle — aren’t a cause for concern, there could be other, more serious issues going on.
At our Huntington Beach, California, practice, CA Heart and Vein Specialists, Dr. Majed Chane and our skilled team are devoted to providing exceptional care. We offer comprehensive cardiovascular diagnostic and treatment services for a full range of issues that affect the cardiovascular system.
Keeping your heart and blood vessels as healthy as possible is our top priority. For patients with post-exercise chest pain, we can perform a comprehensive evaluation to diagnose or rule out potential issues with your heart and blood vessels. In the event that you receive a diagnosis related to your heart, we’re prepared to provide top-quality care.
Muscle soreness is a common cause of chest pain after a heavy bout of exercise, and it’s no reason to worry. When your workout includes exercises like weightlifting or push-ups, it’s possible to strain the muscles around your chest. This soreness is typically temporary and improves with rest.
Acid reflux is another common cause of chest discomfort following intense physical activity. Strenuous physical activity can sometimes cause stomach acid to flow up into the esophagus, causing a burning sensation in your chest.
If the pain you’re experiencing feels sharp, localized, or worsens with movement, it’s more likely to be a musculoskeletal issue instead of a problem with the cardiovascular system.
However, if it feels like pressure or tightness, or if it radiates to your arms, neck, or jaw, it could be a sign of restricted blood flow.
Conditions like angina and coronary artery disease (CAD) often cause chest pain that feels like pressure, heaviness, or a squeezing sensation. If you experience any of these symptoms, take them seriously.
Angina is chest pain that happens when your heart isn’t getting enough blood flow, especially during physical exertion. This can happen if you have coronary artery disease, where your arteries are narrowed due to plaque buildup.
A heart attack, on the other hand, occurs when blood flow to the heart is blocked, causing damage to the heart muscle. If you have symptoms such as shortness of breath, nausea, sweating, or dizziness that occurs along with chest pain, call 911 or seek medical attention immediately, as it could be a sign of a heart attack.
If you have an existing cardiovascular condition, such as high blood pressure or congestive heart failure, you’re at a higher risk for heart-related chest pain. It’s important to work with a cardiovascular specialist to manage these conditions effectively. Monitoring your blood pressure regularly and managing hypertension is essential for reducing heart-related complications.
Other risk factors that can increase your chance of heart-related chest pain include high cholesterol, diabetes, and smoking. If you have any of these risk factors, it’s even more critical to consult with a cardiovascular specialist before engaging in intense physical activity.
Don’t put off getting evaluated when you experience chest pain following intense exercise. Take action today and schedule a consultation with our cardiovascular team to ensure that your heart is in optimal condition.
Contact CA Heart and Vein Specialists today to schedule a consultation and learn more about managing your heart health effectively. Don’t leave your heart’s health to chance. Get answers today.
