Is it normal to have chest pain about an hour after exercise?

[wendy35107]

Hey everyone.

I'm really freaking myself out here.


I completed an hour long fitness DVD about an hour and a half ago. I was fine doing the exercise and immediately after but all of a sudden I have the familiar old upper chest tightness, in the centre above the breasts.


If it was anything to worry about, surely it would have come on during the exercise and not over an hour after?


I have had anxiety and panic issues for over a year now and I'm on 10mg of citalopram just to give you a bit of background on me.


Please just let me know if you've had any similar experiences or if I should get my butt to the hospital.


Thank you all.

[Arnie365]

Hi Wendy

I had exactly the same on Saturday and Sunday. I have health anxiety about my heart and not been exercising but as im starting to feel better went to the gym for the first time in ages. Was fine at the gym and whilst exercising but about a hour after I got home the pains came on. I'm putting it down to my anxiety having a backlash.

If you have had all the tests such as ECG and had it confirmed your heart is fine then I wouldn't worry. I can have confidence when I get the pains now as ivehad the tests and finally believe what the doctors tell me.

[wendy35107]

Thank you do much for your reply.

I ended up in A&E about a year ago now and I had my heart and lungs completely checked out and was told everything was fine.


This anxiety stuff is just such an evil vicious circle isn't it. The minute you think you're fine it hits you like a tonne of bricks. I was so proud of myself for doing the whole exercise regime anxiety free and yet it found me an hour later.


I'm reading my book now "at last a life" it's called, it's pretty good, I'm just trying to distract myself from the tightness.


Thank you again do much, it means so much to get just a little reassurance.

[Arnie365]

Hi Wendy whatever you do don't let it put you off exercising! I know it's so scary I'm going through the exact same thing. It will get easier the more often you do it. It's also obviously really good for you and ive read it will reduce anxiety and chest pains but also reinforce in your mind that your heart is fine. This will teach your sub conscious to stop worrying about it.

[Dazzlar13]

Did you do lots of press-ups?
A freind who I go to the gym with gets chest pains when he does cardio.
He got checked out and its a pulled muscle. it has something to do with his posture when he runs apparently.
I found when I first started training I got aches and pains in places I never even imagined it was possible.
Its probably nothing to worry about.
Maybe just take it a little easier next time

[wendy35107]

I did do quite a few press ups and sit ups too actually.

I didn't even think of that to be honest.


The pain and tightness has gone now thank goodness, I've calmed down and I'm reading my book to keep my mind off my anxiety.


I know now that's there's nothing wrong, it's just so hard at the time to tell yourself that when you feel so awful.


Thanks again for your help.

[Dazzlar13]

Yep press ups can be a killer for your chest
Glad you feel better now

[miniminx]

If it was your heart you wouldnt have managed exercise for that long..