What does fact checked mean?
At Healthfully, we strive to deliver objective content that is accurate and up-to-date. Our team periodically reviews articles in order to ensure content quality. The sources cited below consist of evidence from peer-reviewed journals, prominent medical organizations, academic associations, and government data.
The information contained on this site is for informational purposes only, and should not be used as a substitute for the advice of a professional health care provider. Please check with the appropriate physician regarding health questions and concerns. Although we strive to deliver accurate and up-to-date information, no guarantee to that effect is made.
Chest Pain From Cycling Class
Chest pain during cycling class can develop from any tissue or organ in your chest, including your lungs, heart, muscles, tendons, ribs, nerves and tendons 2. It can be caused by a variety of conditions -- some of which require a doctor’s attention. This makes it important to understand why chest pain can develop during bicycling and how it can be remedied 2.
If you are experiencing serious medical symptoms, seek emergency treatment immediately.
Symptoms
Chest pain can vary in severity from a mild annoyance to a debilitating ache 2. It can be accompanied by a burning sensation beneath your sternum, nausea, vomiting, belching, swallowing difficulty or chest tenderness. Pain can get worse when you change positions, breathe deeply or cough during cycling class. In severe cases, you can notice tightness in the chest, pain that radiates down your jaw or shoulders, sweating or shortness of breath 2.
Causes
Causes of Pain on the Right Side of the Chest When Breathing
Learn More
Chest pain and discomfort in the lungs can be the result of breathing too hard during your cycling class 2. Cycling can also trigger heartburn or acid reflux symptoms because of the increase in respiratory rate and pressure put on your abdomen when maintaining proper bicycle posture. You can also experience chest muscle pain and soreness if you attend cycling class while suffering from conditions such as pinched nerves, fibromyalgia or a bruised rib 2.
Treatments
Stop exercising or reduce exercise intensity if you experience chest pain or lung discomfort during your cycling class 2. If heartburn is the cause, take a medication to neutralize or stop production of stomach acid, such as antacids or H2-receptor blockers. A doctor will need to treat or prescribe medications to remedy chest pain associated with medical conditions such as fibromyalgia or pinched nerves 2.
Warnings
My Chest Hurts When I Breathe While Running
Learn More
Chest pain can sometimes be a symptom of a serious medical condition such as a heart attack, angina, coronary spasm or aortic dissection 2. Seek immediate medical attention if chest pain is severe, develops without explanation, varies in intensity, radiates down your back, shoulders or left arm or is accompanied by nausea, dizziness, sweating or shortness of breath 2. A visit to the hospital could save your life -- or at least confirm that nothing is seriously wrong.
Related Articles
References
- Cycling Performance Tips: The Athlete and the GI Tract
- MedlinePlus: Chest Pain
- MedlinePlus: Breathing Difficulty
- Fu R, Li SD, Song CX, et al. Clinical significance of diabetes on symptom and patient delay among patients with acute myocardial infarction-an analysis from China Acute Myocardial Infarction (CAMI) registry. J Geriatr Cardiol. 2019;16(5):395-400. doi:10.11909/j.issn.1671-5411.2019.05.002
- Bilora F, Ceresa M, Milan M, Sarolo L, Prandoni P. The impact of deep vein thrombosis on the risk of subsequent cardiovascular events: a 14-year follow-up study. Int Angiol. 2017;36(2):156-159. doi:10.23736/S0392-9590.16.03664-6
- Bellet RN, Lamb RL, Gould TD, Bartlett HJ. Prevalence of neuro-musculoskeletal pain and dysfunction in open-heart surgical patients preoperatively and at 6 and 12 weeks postoperatively: a prospective longitudinal observation study. Pragmat Obs Res. 2017;8:211-222. doi:10.2147/POR.S131060
- National Institutes of Health, U.S. National Library of Medicine: MedlinePlus. Chest Pain. Updated August 4, 2020.
Writer Bio
Rose Erickson has been a professional writer since 2010. She specializes in fitness, parenting, beauty, health, nutrition and saving money, and writes for several online publications including The Krazy Coupon Lady. She is also a novelist and a mother of three.