Re: Chest Pain

Posted By CCF CARDIO MD - DLB on August 31, 1998 at 08:14:09:

In Reply to: Chest Pain posted by GregS on August 29, 1998 at 21:26:16:






I am a 41 year old male and a long distance runner.  I am currently training for a marathon this fall and am averging about 42 miles/week.  During my long run last Sunday, I experienced a sharp pain in my chest at about 14 miles.  Believing it was just mucular, I finished the last 2 miles of the run.
In the week that has followed, I have only been able to run twice (4 & 8 miles) on days that the pain was not too severe.  Yesterday, the pain was almost gone.  Last night (6 days from the injury), I awoke during the night with the most intense pain yet and have been unable to function normally all day today.  The pain is localized on the upper left side of my chest.  
My resting heart rate is about 52 and my blood pressure is always normal.  I am 6' tall and am slightly overweight at 180 for the mileage I put in.  Is my chest pain just a pulled chest muscle or is it heart?  How do I treat it?  Is running okay if the pain is not too severe?  Any suggestions?
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Dear Greg
It would be dangerous for me to try to distinguish between a muscle pull and angina without even examining you. I would suggest that you make an appointment with a cardiologist to evaluate the chest pain. You wouldn't be the first runner in his forties to have serious heart disease. Until that time, hold off on the running.
I hope this is useful. Feel free to write back. I wish you the best of luck.
If you would like to set up an appointment with one of our cardiologists here at the Cleveland Clinic please feel free to call 1-800-CCF-CARE.
Information provided in the Heart Forum is intended for general medical informational purposes only. Actual diagnosis and treatment of any particular medical condition can only be made by your physician(s).