chest pain while running

NormalSaneFLGuy

So when you're out running and maxing out to the point you want to drop to the ground, your breathing sounds like someone suffocating in a plastic bag, and your upper chest on the left side starts aching so bad that you clench your teeth, is that hypoxia, cramps, or imminent death?

Melanie_RS

probably when you've reached the anaerobic threshold and totally deprived of oxygen.

ease up buddy, there really is no prize at the end.

SaraBelle0312

Death. I'm sure of it.

My sources are myself, you see. I battle Death every time I run, and win. That suffocating is Death's rattle in your lungs stealing your last breath and the pain is Death clenching your heart.

You might survive, if you defeat Death that is.







(in all seriousnessness, IDK...o.0 I get it all the time though)

Melanie_RS

any last words?

jadedbutterfly71

Umm... How about stopping and walking briskly for a few minutes?! Doesn't sound good to me. LISTEN TO YOUR BODY, folks!!!!!

^^^This!

ipiddock

Errr. Don't do that!

srp2011

Not sure if this is a serious question or not, but severe left-sided chest pain is a classic heart attack symptom. While that may not be what's happening to you, you really should get checked out by a doctor, run a stress test, and make sure your heart is in good enough shape for the type of exercise you are doing. ASAP.

DontStopB_Leakin

You're already dead. You just haven't realized it yet.

Or maybe you're just fat. You know what, you're probably just fat.

iWaffle

...and your upper chest on the left side starts aching so bad that you clench your teeth, is that hypoxia, cramps, or imminent death?

_HeartsOnFire_

I work at a doctors office (***disclaimer I am NOT a nurse or a doctor I am NON-clinical staff...this is NOT medical advice!)...Left sided chest pain...we tell them to go straight to the hospital, do not pass go, do not collect $200. Just go straight to hospital.

I'd try the easing up first and see if that relieves it, but usually left sided chest pain is not good.

yungnold

sounds scary should slow down and walk catch your breath and then pick it back up again, but I know what your talking about run everyday and it will pass

jcstanton

Ummm...yeah, it's probably a good idea to slow down BEFORE it gets to that point. I have a friend who tried to hike the Pacific Crest Trail, but he pushed too hard and had to quit early because he was hospitalized for cardiac fatigue. It may be a case of doing too much, too fast. I don't know what your fitness level is, but it might be a good idea to switch to walk/run intervals and gradually build your endurance. I'd recommend the C25K program or something like it.

Of course, this advice is only good if you're being serious and not making fun of beginning runners who ask questions like this because they simply don't know any better.

NormalSaneFLGuy

Umm... How about stopping and walking briskly for a few minutes?! Doesn't sound good to me. LISTEN TO YOUR BODY, folks!!!!!

While I appreciate the response, it doesn't really answer the question.

NormalSaneFLGuy

...and your upper chest on the left side starts aching so bad that you clench your teeth, is that hypoxia, cramps, or imminent death?

Anything involving a cat is an acceptable answer.

bcattoes

Not sure if this is a serious question or not, but severe left-sided chest pain is a classic heart attack symptom. While that may not be what's happening to you, you really should get checked out by a doctor, run a stress test, and make sure your heart is in good enough shape for the type of exercise you are doing. ASAP.

THIS ^^^ If this is a serious question, you should see a doctor. Soon.

scottb81

Upper left chest pain is not a normal symptom of running hard.

WendyTerry420

Umm... How about stopping and walking briskly for a few minutes?! Doesn't sound good to me. LISTEN TO YOUR BODY, folks!!!!!

While I appreciate the response, it doesn't really answer the question.

How about this? SLOW the F*** DOWN! :happy:

NormalSaneFLGuy

Ummm...yeah, it's probably a good idea to slow down BEFORE it gets to that point. I have a friend who tried to hike the Pacific Crest Trail, but he pushed too hard and had to quit early because he was hospitalized for cardiac fatigue. It may be a case of doing too much, too fast. I don't know what your fitness level is, but it might be a good idea to switch to walk/run intervals and gradually build your endurance. I'd recommend the C25K program or something like it.

Of course, this advice is only good if you're being serious and not making fun of beginning runners who ask questions like this because they simply don't know any better.

I appreciate the input. I am being serious, well not the imminent death comment, and I used to run a fair bit and I know I had similar pains back then. It just seems to happen after I've been running for while. Like today it was after 15min straight. I'm starting to lean towards hypoxia related. I know my heart is good because I had a different issue a while back and they did a whole host of tests. While diagnosing my other issue, the cardiologist put it "the problem with trying to figure out what's wrong, is that there is no problem we can find." Hearts A+. I just don't know how to differentiate chest cramps from excessive oxygen deprivation.

somanyrhoades

Hello there. I am an RN and just wanted to mention that anytime you have left sided chest pain you should seek medical attention. It could be nothing but it could be indicative of a cardiovascular problem. Do you have any health problems such as high blood pressure, respiratory problems or diabetes? Also how old are you? You should really speak with your doc about this. Sometimes we experience angina (chest pain) when the demands on the heart are too high and the heart has to work harder and does not get enough oxygen.... or it could just be something simple like a strained muscle. you should be evaluate by health professional to rule out something serious. It's best to only do light exercise until you see a doc. Hope this helped!

ahamm002

It's really not at all unusual to get sharp pains in your chest ("stitches") when trying to run when you're out of shape. However, chest pain is still something that needs to get checked out. The classic type of chest pain associated with a heart problem would be more of a pressure sensation (if you ever feel like an elephant is sitting on your chest, call 911). Sharp pains are known as atypical chest pain and usually aren't associated with heart conditions . . . but you never know.

Cooriander

I would be concerned, but it could also be anxiety. I had those exact symptoms after my third child was born, I thought I was dying and it really scary. My heart checked out fine - and it was definitey worth it to have a diagnosis that I believed it (lowered my anxiety).

I would check again with your doctor just to be sure.