Quick Action
If you feel a sharp pain in your chest during a workout, stop immediately. It might be a simple muscle strain, or it could be warning you of something more serious.
Red Flags
• Pain that lasts more than a few minutes
• Dizziness or sweating alongside the pain
• Trouble breathing while the pain continues
• Very sharp or sudden chest pain
What It Feels Like
You may feel a sharp, on-and-off pain in the center of your chest. This discomfort might be mild or more alarming if it comes with other symptoms.
Likely Causes
• A strained muscle from intense exercise
• A heart issue needing prompt attention
What to Do Now
- Stop your workout right away.
- Sit down and rest.
- Monitor your symptoms closely.
- If you notice any red flags or if the pain does not improve soon, seek medical help immediately.
Knowing these clues can help you work out smarter and keep your heart safe.
Clinician-reviewed – Last reviewed: October 2023
Determining the Nature of Chest Pain During Workout
Quick Action: If you get chest pain during a workout, stop exercising right away. If the pain spreads to your jaw, back, or shoulders, comes with sweating, nausea, or lightheadedness, call emergency services immediately.
What It Feels Like:
- Muscle strain pain is usually sharp or achy and stays in one spot in the chest.
- Heart-related pain (like a heart attack) may spread to other areas and last longer.
- Angina often shows as a tight or heavy pressure in the chest that may not last as long as a heart attack.
How to Check Your Pain:
- Ask yourself if the pain moves beyond your chest.
- Notice if you have extra symptoms like sweating or nausea.
- Watch how long the pain lasts.
Why This Matters:
Knowing the source of your discomfort is key. A muscle strain is often less serious. But if your pain feels like it might be heart-related, getting checked early can be crucial.
What to Do Now:
- Stop your workout immediately.
- Record your symptoms, what you felt, when it started, and how long it lasted.
- If you see any red flags (spreading pain, extra symptoms, or long-lasting pain), seek medical attention quickly.
Remember, if you're ever in doubt, it's best to talk to a healthcare provider.
Clinician-reviewed • Last reviewed: October 2023
Cardiac Causes of Chest Pain During Workout
Quick Action:
Stop exercising immediately if you feel chest pain. Note any other symptoms and get checked by a doctor as soon as possible.
Red Flags:
• Pain that lasts longer than five minutes
• Pressure or squeezing that gets worse with exercise
• Pain that spreads to your shoulders or arms
• Feeling dizzy, short of breath, or faint
What It Feels Like:
Chest pain from heart problems often feels like pressure or tightness in your chest. It may spread to the upper body and ease when you rest. But if the pain lingers or grows worse, it could be a sign of a serious heart problem.
Likely Causes:
• Coronary Artery Disease (CAD): Buildup of plaque in your arteries cuts down blood flow. This causes less oxygen to reach your heart when you work out.
• Angina: This is chest pain triggered by exercise. It usually goes away quickly when you stop. If it lasts too long or comes with other symptoms, it might be a heart attack.
• Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM): The heart’s left chamber wall thickens. This makes it harder for blood to flow during physical work, leading to pain, breathlessness, dizziness, or even fainting.
What to Do Now:
- Stop exercising if you feel any chest discomfort.
- If your pain fades quickly, schedule a checkup with your doctor.
- If the pain worsens or does not go away in a few minutes, call emergency services right away.
- Share details about your pain with your clinician, including how long it lasts and any other symptoms you notice.
Clinician-reviewed. Last reviewed on [insert date].
Non-Cardiac Triggers of Chest Pain During Workout
Quick Action: Stop your workout if you feel pain in a specific area of your chest. Note where it hurts and if the pain gets worse when you take a deep breath.
What It Feels Like:
This type of chest pain is usually sharp or sore and stays in one spot. It may become stronger when you breathe deeply or twist your body. The pain typically does not move to other areas.
Likely Causes:
- Overused or suddenly strained muscles between your ribs can cause pain.
- Joint irritation at the ribs where they meet the cartilage (called costochondritis) may produce a sharp pain near the breastbone when you move.
- Lung-related issues like bronchospasm (tightening of airway muscles) or irritation of the lung lining can mimic chest pain, sometimes with wheezing or coughing.
What to Do Now:
- Stop exercising and rest for a few minutes.
- Use an ice pack on the painful area and do gentle chest stretches.
- Keep an eye on your symptoms. If the pain continues or new symptoms appear, contact your healthcare provider.
Clinician-reviewed • Last reviewed: October 2023
Red Flags: When Chest Pain During Workout Signals Emergency
If you feel any of the signs below while exercising, stop and sit down immediately. Watch your symptoms closely.
Red Flag Checklist:
- Chest pain that lasts more than 5 minutes or worsens when you rest.
- Pain that spreads to your jaw, arms, or back.
- Sudden dizziness, fainting, or very hard breathing.
- Unusual pain in your breastbone that isn’t like normal muscle soreness.
- Severe chest pain during exercise that does not ease when you rest.
About one in three emergency visits for chest pain turns out to be a heart problem. If any of these signs occur or get worse, seek emergency care right away. For more information, visit when to seek emergency care for chest pain.
Clinician-reviewed • Last reviewed: October 2023
Immediate Steps to Manage Chest Pain During Workout
Stop exercising and sit down right away.
If your chest pain feels like episodes you've had before and you have nitroglycerin for angina (chest pain from heart issues), take it as directed.
For muscle soreness after your workout, apply an ice pack to your chest for 10–15 minutes.
Watch for these warning signs:
- Pain that lasts more than five minutes.
- Pain that spreads to your jaw or arms.
Call emergency services immediately if you notice any of these.
Also, note the time the pain started, what triggered it, and any extra signs like nausea or dizziness.
For more details on using nitroglycerin and ice packs, check the Cardiac Causes section.
Clinician-reviewed. Last reviewed: 10/2023.
Preventing Chest Pain During Workout: Exercise Modifications
Quick Action: Start your workout with a warm-up. Walk briskly for 5–10 minutes to let your heart and muscles adjust. If you catch heavy breathing early on, it's normal as your body gears up.
Red Flags:
- Trouble talking while exercising
- Sudden or sharp chest discomfort
- Persistent, heavy breathing even after warming up
Plan your session so you can hold a conversation. If you struggle to speak without gasping, slow your pace immediately. This simple step helps keep your heart rate steady and reduces chest strain.
Balance your strength training by working both the front and back of your body. Include stretches and mobility drills before and after your workout to ease tension on your chest muscles and ribcage.
Keep your routine varied. Alternate between low- and moderate-intensity exercises and add flexibility drills. This balanced approach can help lessen muscle pulls and reduce discomfort during your workout.
Remember, a heart-healthy routine matters. Structuring your workout with proper warm-ups and cooldowns not only shields your chest but also supports overall fitness.
Clinician-reviewed | Last reviewed: 10/2023
Diagnosing Chest Pain During Workout: Tests and Evaluations
If you feel chest pain while exercising, your doctor will run a few tests to find out what's causing the pain. They often start with a Cardiolite nuclear stress test. This test mimics what happens during exercise and shows if parts of your heart aren’t getting enough oxygen.
Your doctor may also order an echocardiogram and an ECG (electrocardiogram). These check your heart’s structure and electrical activity to spot issues like irregular heartbeats or thicker heart walls.
If your pain might be muscle-related, a biomechanical study can help. This study reviews your movement patterns to see if muscle strain is the cause.
When tests show a blockage in the arteries, treatments like angioplasty with stenting can open them up and restore blood flow.
Clinician-reviewed • Last reviewed: October 2023
Final Words
In the action, you learned that chest pain during workout may come from muscle strains or more concerning heart issues. We broke down causes from benign to urgent, outlined red flags like lasting pain and radiation, and shared quick steps for managing symptoms. Clear advice on adjusting your exercise routine and when to seek testing was provided. Use this info to take swift, calm steps and keep track of your symptoms. Stay positive and proactive when dealing with chest pain during workout.
FAQ
Does chest pain while exercising that goes away require action?
The chest pain that stops quickly may come from a muscle strain. If it returns or you feel shortness of breath or dizziness, you should get it checked.
Can chest pain during exercise be considered normal?
Mild chest discomfort from muscle use can occur during exercise. If the pain worsens, lasts longer than a few minutes, or comes with other symptoms, you need to seek medical attention.
How does chest pain during exercise differ for females?
In females, chest pain during exercise can feel similar to a pulled muscle or a heart-related symptom. Noting the pain’s location and duration is key, and persistent pain warrants a checkup.
What are the signs of a pulled chest muscle in females?
A pulled chest muscle often causes localized sharp pain and tenderness near the chest wall, which tends to worsen with movement and improve with rest and ice.
How should I view left side chest pain during exercise?
Left side chest pain can come from strained muscles or may be linked to heart issues. If the pain radiates to the arm or jaw or does not improve with rest, seek immediate care.
How can I reduce chest pain while running?
If you experience chest pain while running, stop exercising and rest. Apply ice to the area and use gentle stretching. Gradually ease back into activity with a proper warm-up and cool-down routine.