Breathing Difficulties, Dizziness, and Chest Pain While Biking: What to Know

Difficulty breathing, dizziness, and chest pain while cycling?

Hello, Doctor.
I love cycling, and I used to be fine, but recently I've been experiencing some issues.
I'm not sure if it's due to a lack of exercise, the UBike, air quality, or the heat.
During my recent rides in an industrial area with moderate traffic and slight inclines, I've noticed difficulty breathing (a feeling of not getting enough oxygen), dizziness, a blacking out sensation, and chest pain.
After resting for a long time, any movement triggers these symptoms again, making it impossible for me to ride and forcing me to take a taxi instead.
Thank you for your patient response.
I appreciate it.

Liangli Miss, 40~49 year old female. Ask Date: 2020/04/16

Dr. Wu Xueming reply Cardiology

1.
Chest pain can be classified as cardiac or non-cardiac.
Cardiac chest pain, commonly known as angina, typically has the following characteristics: 1.
It lasts for several minutes (2-10 minutes), is described as pressure or tightness, and may feel like an elephant sitting on the chest.
2.
It may radiate to the jaw, left arm, and other areas.
3.
It is usually triggered by physical activity or emotional stress and improves with rest.
4.
It is more common in patients with risk factors for coronary artery disease, such as: age (men > 45 years or women > 55 years or postmenopausal), hypertension, hyperlipidemia, diabetes, smoking, family history of early coronary artery disease, sedentary lifestyle, and low physical activity.
Based on your symptom description, it does not align with typical angina; however, if symptoms persist, it is advisable to consult a cardiologist for a thorough examination.
2.
Common causes of dizziness include: inner ear issues such as benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (also known as BPPV), vestibular neuritis, and Meniere's disease; problems in the brainstem and cerebellum; peripheral nerve issues; anemia; medications; migraine-associated vertigo; vertebrobasilar insufficiency; and conditions such as stroke or brain tumors.
If symptoms persist, it is recommended to see a neurologist or an otolaryngologist.
3.
Shortness of breath refers to any abnormal sensation of discomfort in breathing.
The primary causes are related to the respiratory system (including airway diseases, lung diseases, pulmonary vascular diseases, or pleural diseases) and cardiac conditions (such as heart failure or myocardial infarction).
However, many other factors can also cause shortness of breath, such as issues with the brain that control the sensation and activity of breathing, problems with the muscles or nerves that control breathing, chest wall issues, psychological stress, anemia, or acidosis.
Therefore, it is advisable to visit a clinic for further history-taking and relevant examinations by a physician to make a more accurate differential diagnosis.

Reply Date: 2020/04/16

More Info

Experiencing breathing difficulties, dizziness, and chest pain while biking can be concerning and may indicate an underlying health issue that requires attention. Based on your description, it seems that you are encountering these symptoms during physical exertion, particularly while biking in an industrial area. There are several potential factors that could contribute to your symptoms, and it is essential to consider them carefully.

Firstly, the sensation of not being able to breathe adequately, often described as "air hunger," can be caused by a variety of factors, including anxiety, respiratory issues, or cardiovascular problems. Given that you mentioned feeling dizzy and experiencing chest pain, it is crucial to rule out any serious conditions, such as angina or other heart-related issues. Angina can present as chest pain or discomfort due to reduced blood flow to the heart muscle, often triggered by physical exertion or stress.

Another possibility is exercise-induced bronchoconstriction, which can occur in individuals with a history of asthma or bronchial sensitivity. This condition can lead to difficulty breathing during physical activities, especially in environments with poor air quality or high levels of pollutants, which may be the case in an industrial area. If you have a history of respiratory issues, it would be wise to consult with a healthcare professional to assess your lung function and determine if any underlying conditions are exacerbating your symptoms.

Additionally, environmental factors such as heat and humidity can significantly impact your ability to exercise comfortably. High temperatures can lead to dehydration and heat exhaustion, which may cause dizziness and a feeling of breathlessness. It is essential to stay hydrated and take breaks as needed, especially in hot weather.

Your symptoms could also be linked to a lack of physical conditioning if you have not been active for a while. When returning to exercise after a period of inactivity, your body may react differently, leading to feelings of fatigue, dizziness, and discomfort. Gradually increasing your activity level and allowing your body to adapt can help mitigate these symptoms.

Given the complexity of your symptoms, it is advisable to seek medical attention. A thorough evaluation by a healthcare provider, including a physical examination, a review of your medical history, and possibly diagnostic tests such as an electrocardiogram (ECG) or pulmonary function tests, can help identify the underlying cause of your symptoms. It is essential to address these concerns promptly, as they could indicate a more serious condition that requires intervention.

In summary, while your symptoms may be attributed to various factors such as environmental conditions, physical conditioning, or underlying health issues, it is crucial to consult with a healthcare professional for a comprehensive evaluation. They can provide personalized recommendations based on your specific situation and help ensure your safety while engaging in physical activities like biking. Remember to listen to your body, take breaks when needed, and prioritize your health and well-being.

Similar Q&A

Understanding Dizziness: Causes and When to Seek Medical Help

Hello, doctor: I have experienced several instances where, after riding my motorcycle for about 1 to 3 hours and stopping for approximately 10 minutes, I start to feel chest tightness and discomfort. Suddenly, I experience vision blackouts, instability while standing, dizziness, ...

Dr. Chen Bozhang reply Family Medicine
Dear Ms. Chen, In your letter, you mentioned that during several instances of riding your bike, you experienced symptoms such as chest tightness, blurred vision, dizziness, cold sweats, and difficulty breathing. These symptoms are likely related to cardiovascular issues, includi...

Understanding Post-Spin Bike Discomfort: Causes and Concerns

Hello Dr. Hsiao, on October 23rd (Friday), after finishing my meal, I did a sprint cycling workout for about 3-5 minutes at the fitness center in the basement of my school. After that, I felt unwell, my face turned pale, and I experienced dizziness and nausea. My heart was racing...

Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Internal Medicine
1. Engaging in any form of exercise must be gradual to allow the body's various systems to make appropriate adjustments and adaptations. Implementing high-intensity physical training abruptly can be quite dangerous from a medical standpoint. On the other hand, aspects such a...

Breathing Difficulties and Fainting: Understanding Cardiovascular Issues

Hello, for the past couple of years, I have been experiencing this condition every two to three months. It feels very much like a muscle cramp. This time, while riding my bike, I suddenly had a spasm in my right chest area extending to my right shoulder, which occurred after norm...

Dr. He Dongjin reply Cardiology
Hello, you are advised to see a psychiatrist for hyperventilation syndrome. Peace and care from Changhua Hospital.

Chest Tightness and Dizziness During Exercise: Should You Be Concerned?

Question 1: Recently, during exercise, I occasionally feel chest tightness and discomfort in my throat and jaw, which makes me feel dizzy and experience palpitations when I stop. However, this does not happen every time I exercise (I usually ride a stationary bike for 50 minutes)...

Dr. Li Han reply Cardiology
Hello Lu, the first two questions you have are the most concerning and require serious and careful evaluation. It is recommended that you consult a cardiologist in person. The Changhua Hospital of the Ministry of Health and Welfare cares about you.