What causes chest pain in the middle while running

Middle chest pain during running may be related to overexertion, muscle strains, gastroesophageal reflux, angina, costochondritis, and other reasons. It is recommended to stop exercising immediately and observe the symptoms. If the symptoms persist, seek medical attention promptly.

1. Excessive exercise

Sudden increase in running intensity or time may lead to chest muscle fatigue, manifested as dull pain behind the sternum. This situation can usually be relieved after rest. It is recommended to follow the principle of gradual progress during exercise and warm up adequately before exercise.

2. Muscle strain

Excessive contraction of the pectoralis major or intercostal muscles during running may cause traction pain, which is fixed in location and worsens with breathing. Apply ice to the affected area after exercise, and during the recovery period, perform low-intensity stretching to avoid repeated injury movements.

3. Gastroesophageal Reflux

Running immediately after a full meal may cause acid reflux to irritate the esophagus, leading to burning chest pain. It is recommended to exercise two hours after meals, choose a high protein and low-fat diet, and raise the head of the bed when sleeping.

4. Angina pectoris

insufficient coronary artery blood supply may induce compression pain behind the sternum during exercise, often radiating to the left shoulder. These patients should avoid vigorous exercise, carry nitroglycerin tablets with them, and regularly monitor blood pressure and blood lipids.

5. costochondritis

Aseptic inflammation of the thoracic and rib joints can cause local pain and significant compression pain during running vibration. During the acute phase, exercise should be suspended and treated with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. After recovery, low impact exercises such as swimming can be attempted.

Daily attention should be paid to sufficient warm-up activities before exercise, and the intensity of exercise should be controlled at the level of slight sweating. Maintain the correct posture while running and avoid hunchback with chest. Choose sports shoes with good cushioning performance, and avoid running on hard roads for too long. It is recommended that middle-aged and elderly individuals undergo a cardiopulmonary function assessment before developing an exercise plan. If the pain is accompanied by symptoms such as difficulty breathing and cold sweat, exercise should be stopped immediately and medical examination should be sought. Usually, it is recommended to supplement foods rich in vitamin B, such as whole grains and lean meat, to help maintain normal nervous system function.