I can't catch my breath

I am a 42 year old female, 145 lbs.  I started jogging about 10 months ago, and was only jogging about 1.5 miles.  Now, I can't run 1 mile, I get very out of breath, my chest hurts from breathing.  I stopped jogging and started walking on the treadmill.  Eventhough I can catch my breath, I am still breathing very heavily and my pulse (which is normally 62) goes up to 170.

[National Jewish]

The problem you've experienced, of shortness of breath with exertion and chest discomfort, suggests dysfunction of either your heart or lungs and should be taken seriously. That this should occur, 10 months after your beginning a running program, suggests that deconditioning is not the problem.
Evaluation of your heart and lungs is strongly advised and this evaluation might begin with a chest X-ray, an electrocardiogram and pulmonary function tests. Whatever the cause, it is likely to be a treatable condition, and this is all the more reason that you should seek medical assistance, without delay. You should discuss this with your doctor who might recommend evaluation by a pulmonary or heart specialist.

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