Appearance of Symptoms

[D. Howard]

Hi.  This is a strange question, but it has occurred enough for me to ask.  I am 32 years old and in the last few weeks I have begun an exercise program to lose weight (I need to lose about 20 pounds) and to lower my cholesterol which has been on the high side for two or three years.  As I exercise, which has generally been cycling, jogging, or playing volleyball, I have no problems with chest pain, shortness of breath, or anything.  However, 8 to 12 hours later I usually find myself experiencing some pain in my left side and arm as well as some flop sweat. The pain is not constant, but can be somewhat intense. At first I thought that it was just usual soreness from exercise and, since I am relatively out of shape, it was taking some time for me to adjust to it.  It's happening with enough regularity that I am wondering if I am overtaxing myself in building up a regimen that will work for me, perhaps to my detriment.  For the record, I have never had a history of heart problems, my blood pressure is always in the normal range, and my resting heart rate is around 75.  My only previous internal medical problem was acid reflux, for which I was treated about six months ago.  Could I be aggravating the reflux by exercising, which would account for the pain?  I would like to assume that I am merely pushing myself to exercise.  Thanks for your help.

[Cleveland Clinic, MD]

Pain occuring that long after you exercise and not during exercise is unlikely to be due to cardiac causes.  I would suspect muscle fatigue or reflux as possible causes.

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