What causes chest pain while running for women

Chest pain during female running may be related to factors such as excessive exercise intensity, intercostal neuralgia, myocardial ischemia, gastroesophageal reflux, and pleurisy. It is recommended to stop exercising immediately and observe the symptoms. If the symptoms continue to persist, seek medical attention and examination in a timely manner.

1. Excessive exercise intensity

Sudden increase in running speed or distance can lead to respiratory muscle fatigue, and diaphragm spasms may cause a brief stinging sensation. This situation is more common in novice runners or after interval training, and the pain is usually symmetrical on both sides, which can be relieved by resting for a few minutes. It is recommended to gradually increase the intensity of exercise, and warming up thoroughly before running can help prevent such pain.

2. Intercostal neuralgia

Misalignment of thoracic small joints or pre herpes zoster may stimulate the intercostal nerves, manifested as sharp pain along the rib direction on one side. Women are more prone to pain due to their smaller chest size, which worsens during deep breathing or twisting of the body. It can be improved through physical therapy. In the acute phase, vigorous exercise should be avoided, and nerve block therapy should be performed if necessary.

3. Myocardial ischemia

When coronary artery blood supply is insufficient, an increase in exercise load can induce angina, with pain mostly located behind the sternum and radiating to the left shoulder. After menopause, estrogen levels decrease and the probability of cardiovascular disease increases in women. If compressive chest pain accompanied by shortness of breath occurs, exercise should be stopped immediately. If sublingual nitroglycerin administration is ineffective, emergency medical attention should be sought.

4. Gastroesophageal Reflux

During running, an increase in abdominal pressure may cause acid reflux to stimulate the esophagus, leading to burning chest pain. Commonly seen in people who exercise within 1 hour after a meal, the pain is located at the lower end of the sternum. It is recommended to adjust the interval between eating and exercise, avoid high-fat diet, and if necessary, take proton pump inhibitors to control symptoms.

5. Pleuritis

Pleural inflammation caused by lung infection or autoimmune diseases, resulting in sharp pain due to pleural friction caused by deepening breathing during running. The pain is characterized by worsening during inhalation and may be accompanied by low-grade fever or cough. Diagnosis needs to be confirmed through chest CT, and bacterial pleurisy requires standardized use of antibiotics for treatment. When women experience chest pain while running, it is recommended to prioritize the diagnosis of heart problems and undergo examinations such as electrocardiograms and exercise stress tests. Pay attention to maintaining a regular daily routine, stretch before and after exercise, and avoid vigorous exercise on an empty stomach or when full. People with basic diseases such as hypertension and diabetes need to develop exercise programs under the guidance of doctors, and wear heart rate monitoring equipment to control intensity during exercise. If the pain recurs or is accompanied by symptoms such as fainting and cold sweat, exercise should be immediately stopped and medical attention sought.