What Causes Constant Pain In The Middle Of Chest?

Posted on Mon, 3 Aug 2015

Question: Over the past few days I've been experiencing a constant nagging type pain in the middle of my chest. Last week, I started back lifting weights and did lots of push-ups. I first noticed the pain Sunday before playing golf. No shortness of breath or anything, I played basketball Monday, Wednesday and Today plus ran on Tuesday. Could this be a pulled muscle in my chest? I've noticed it get worse today after playing basketball but no pain or dizziness while I was playing. Also I took my blood pressure this morning AND IT WAS 116/80 my resting heart rate is usually 50. I've also always stayed in good shape with no smoking. Is this anything to worry about?
Also, please see previous question asked 3 days ago along with heart chart from run.
My heart seems to flutter once but I think it's anxiety.
Uploaded a example of what my heart does during a short interval run.

Answered by Dr. Benard Shehu (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Your symptoms are caused by pulled chest muscle...

Detailed Answer:
Hi and thank you for asking!
I read your query and understood your concerns.

What you are experiencing is more likely to be associated with pulled chest muscles due to weight lifting.

If this is your case there's nothing to worry about. I would like to recommend to avoid weight lifting for 1-2 weeks and to use NSAID (advil) to relieve your pain.

After reviewing your reports I would like to say that your heart is perfectly normal. It's normal to have tachycardia (HR up to 180bpm) during excessive training.

The fact that you are symptomless and your HR turns back to norm after some minutes of rest confirm the fact that your heart is normal. What is concerning you is related to anxiety.

In order to relieve your anxiety and to reasure you that everything is ok i would recommend to do the following examinations:
- ecg
- cardiac echo
- stress test
- holter monitoring

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

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

Follow up: Dr. Benard Shehu (8 minutes later)

Thanks for the reassurance! Do I actually need any of these test or are they simply to relieve any anxiety?

Answered by Dr. Benard Shehu (6 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Following advice.

Detailed Answer:
Hi back,

You don't need any specific test for the moment. As I said above all the mentioned examinations are important to reasure you that everything is ok. This will help you to deal with your anxiety and stress.

Wish you health!
Dr. Shehu

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

Follow up: Dr. Benard Shehu (1 minute later)

Great thanks! Last question, will icing the chest help?

Answered by Dr. Benard Shehu (6 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Following advice.

Detailed Answer:
Hi back,

My opinion is that icing the chest may be more harmful than of help in your case. Instead of ice I would recommend warm bags.

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