Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with GoogleGet your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
What Causes Tightness In The Chest After Running?
like 6 months ago at the gym i was running and got a tightness in the right side of my chest. so naturally i was scared it was my heart ya know. got some tests done (EKG chest xrays) all checked out ok. but a slight tightness (from 2-5 of 10) remained every few days a week. then a similar thing happened in feb. but i was just feel weird muscle vibration. so i went to the ER and got ekg s, chest xrays, blood testing, urinalysis. again all checked out okay. recently, started to feel a little numbness in my shoulders (both) and also the slight tightness in the chest, and a soreness in my traps and middle top of my back. talked to a PT friend of mine and he recommended a few stetches and thought I may have thoratic outlet syndrome. the numbness and stuff is all gone. but, not feeling quite confident to going back to the gym. as i am overweight and desperate to shed these extra pounds. any ideas?
posted on
Thu, 13 Mar 2014
Medically reviewed by
Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team
Fri, 17 Oct 2014
Answered on
Mon, 20 Oct 2014
Last reviewed on
Heloo pt-
If you are experiencing any type of chest tightness or discomfort, especially during physical activity such as running, it should be taken seriously. In rare cases, chest tightness can be the sign of a life-threatening condition that needs immediate medical attention. It can also be a sign of an underlying problem that needs to be resolved before symptoms are brought under control. Visiting your physician and getting the go-ahead for running is recommended.
Heart Related
When running, your cardiovascular system is working at its hardest. You are putting maximum strain on your heart muscle, and if you have any type of underlying heart disease or condition, you could experience chest tightness or discomfort. If your heart is unable to pump enough blood to the rest of your organs, heart failure or heart attack can occur. One symptom of a heart attack is chest tightness and pain.
If you are experiencing any type of chest tightness or discomfort, especially during physical activity such as running, it should be taken seriously. In rare cases, chest tightness can be the sign of a life-threatening condition that needs immediate medical attention. It can also be a sign of an underlying problem that needs to be resolved before symptoms are brought under control. Visiting your physician and getting the go-ahead for running is recommended.
Heart Related
When running, your cardiovascular system is working at its hardest. You are putting maximum strain on your heart muscle, and if you have any type of underlying heart disease or condition, you could experience chest tightness or discomfort. If your heart is unable to pump enough blood to the rest of your organs, heart failure or heart attack can occur. One symptom of a heart attack is chest tightness and pain.
I find this answer helpful
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer.
For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service
[Sample answer]
Related questions you may be interested in
Recent questions on Electrocardiography
Loading Online Doctors....