Chest Pain in Athletes: Causes and Concerns

Chest issues?

Recently, due to the pandemic, doctors have been staying at home.
As an athlete, I also need to train at home.
Today, while practicing, I was doing high knees, and halfway through, I felt a sudden pain in my left chest and left back, around the area of my heart.
I couldn't pinpoint the pain in my chest when I pressed on it, but my back felt very sore.
Yesterday, I had been jumping rope with double unders and didn't experience this issue.
However, during the high knees today, the pain occurred suddenly and then subsided.
Recently, I have been doing push-ups, and I'm unsure what caused the chest pain or where the pain point is.
Could you please help me with this, doctor?

Xiao Ke, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2021/06/04

Dr. He Dongjin reply Cardiology

Hello, it seems that your posture might be off, which could have caused a strain in a muscle, leading to pain.
It's best to observe the situation for now, or you can take B vitamins and muscle relaxants, and continue to monitor your condition.
Changhua Hospital cares about you.

Reply Date: 2021/06/04

More Info

Chest pain in athletes can be a concerning symptom, especially when it occurs suddenly during physical activity. It is essential to understand that chest pain can arise from various causes, some of which may be benign, while others could indicate a more serious underlying condition.
In your case, the sudden onset of pain in the left chest and back during leg raises could be attributed to several factors. One possibility is musculoskeletal strain, which is common among athletes, especially when engaging in exercises that involve sudden movements or changes in intensity. The muscles in the chest and back can become strained, leading to localized pain. This type of pain is often sharp and can be exacerbated by certain movements or positions.

Another potential cause could be related to the respiratory system. If you were performing exercises that required significant exertion, such as leg raises, it is possible that you experienced a temporary spasm of the intercostal muscles (the muscles between the ribs) or even a mild pleuritic pain, which can occur due to inflammation of the lining of the lungs. This type of pain can sometimes be felt in the chest and may radiate to the back.

Additionally, it is important to consider the cardiovascular aspect. While it is less common for young, healthy athletes to experience cardiac-related chest pain, it is not impossible. Conditions such as exercise-induced bronchospasm or even atypical angina can present as chest discomfort during physical activity. However, these conditions are typically accompanied by other symptoms, such as shortness of breath, dizziness, or palpitations.

Given that the pain resolved quickly and you did not experience any other concerning symptoms, it may be more likely that the discomfort was related to muscle strain or overexertion. However, it is crucial to listen to your body. If you experience recurrent pain, especially if it worsens or is accompanied by other symptoms, it is advisable to seek medical evaluation. A healthcare professional may recommend diagnostic tests, such as an electrocardiogram (ECG) or imaging studies, to rule out any serious conditions.

In the meantime, consider the following recommendations to manage and prevent future occurrences of chest pain during exercise:
1. Warm-Up Properly: Ensure you are adequately warming up before engaging in intense physical activity. This can help prepare your muscles and reduce the risk of strain.

2. Gradual Increase in Intensity: If you are returning to training after a break, gradually increase the intensity and duration of your workouts to allow your body to adapt.

3. Focus on Form: Pay attention to your exercise form, especially during movements that engage the chest and back. Poor form can lead to unnecessary strain.

4. Rest and Recovery: Allow adequate time for recovery between workouts. Overtraining can lead to muscle fatigue and increase the risk of injury.

5. Stay Hydrated: Dehydration can contribute to muscle cramps and discomfort, so ensure you are drinking enough fluids before, during, and after exercise.

6. Listen to Your Body: If you experience pain, especially if it is persistent or severe, do not hesitate to stop exercising and seek medical advice.

In conclusion, while your experience of chest pain during exercise may be related to musculoskeletal strain or overexertion, it is essential to monitor your symptoms and consult a healthcare professional if the pain recurs or worsens. Taking preventive measures and listening to your body can help you continue to train safely and effectively as an athlete.

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