Chest Discomfort After Push-Ups: Is It a Sign of Heart Issues?

Chest tightness after push-ups?

Yesterday, on a whim, I did some push-ups for the first time in a long while.
About ten minutes after finishing, I felt a slight pain in a small area on the left side of my chest, which hurt when I pressed on it.
However, after resting for a while, it improved.
Later, I noticed that it seemed to take more effort than usual to take a deep breath, and I felt a bit of tightness.
Could this be caused by sudden intense exercise? It feels like the muscles in my left chest are somewhat weak, similar to the feeling in my arms after lifting heavy objects.

Additionally, I have a congenital ventricular septal defect, but the scar has mostly healed.
I have had no issues with previous activities like playing basketball.
Also, a classmate of mine recently had surgery for a pneumothorax, and I would like to know more about the symptoms and causes of pneumothorax.
Thank you.

A Jie, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2017/08/11

Dr. He Dongjin reply Cardiology

Hello, it's been a while since you last did push-ups.
The sudden intense exercise, similar to lifting heavy objects, has caused muscle soreness due to lactic acid buildup.
This pain is not concerning and can be monitored; it is unrelated to pneumothorax.
Changhua Hospital cares about your well-being.

Reply Date: 2017/08/11

More Info

Experiencing chest discomfort after performing push-ups, especially if it's localized to a specific area and accompanied by pain upon pressure, can raise concerns about potential underlying issues. However, it’s essential to consider various factors before jumping to conclusions about heart problems.

From your description, it seems that the discomfort you felt in the left side of your chest could be attributed to muscle strain or soreness from the sudden physical exertion of push-ups, especially if you haven't engaged in such activities for a while. The muscles in the chest, including the pectorals, can become fatigued or strained, leading to localized pain. This is particularly likely if you felt the pain upon pressing the area, which suggests a musculoskeletal origin rather than a cardiac one.

The sensation of needing to exert more effort to breathe, along with a feeling of tightness, could also be related to muscle fatigue or even anxiety about the discomfort. When we experience pain or discomfort in the chest, it’s natural to become anxious, which can lead to a feeling of breathlessness or tightness in the chest.
Given your history of a ventricular septal defect (VSD), it’s wise to be cautious. While many individuals with a repaired VSD can engage in physical activities without issues, any new or unusual symptoms should be evaluated by a healthcare professional. It’s crucial to differentiate between musculoskeletal pain and potential cardiac symptoms, especially considering your medical history.

Regarding your concern about pneumothorax (collapsed lung), symptoms typically include sudden chest pain and shortness of breath. The pain is often sharp and may worsen with deep breaths or coughing. If your discomfort is primarily localized and does not worsen with deep breathing, it is less likely to be pneumothorax. However, if you experience sudden, severe pain, difficulty breathing, or any other alarming symptoms, you should seek immediate medical attention.

In summary, while your symptoms may be related to muscle strain from the push-ups, it’s essential to monitor your condition. If the discomfort persists, worsens, or is accompanied by other symptoms such as significant shortness of breath, dizziness, or radiating pain, you should consult a healthcare provider for a thorough evaluation. They may recommend imaging studies or other diagnostic tests to rule out any cardiac or pulmonary issues, especially given your medical history.
Always prioritize your health and safety, and don’t hesitate to seek medical advice when in doubt.

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