“Heart pain during and after exercise?”
I am a relatively active (3-4 x per week) gym goer and decided to improve my cardio, which I had been neglecting for weight lifting. After just 24 minutes of cycling at a low intensity, I started getting what felt like heart cramps. My measured heart rate was around 175bpm during most of the 24 minutes even though I was cycling at low intensity (my breathing was not heavy at all). I still have a pain in my heart 1 day later, albeit not as severe as its onset. I recently found out I have elevated Lp-a and my father had a heart attack some years ago. I am worried I might have Angina or some other heart disease. Is this normal for someone who doesn't do much cardio exercise?
Male | 29 years old
Complaint duration: 2 days
3 Answers
From your description it is unlikely that your chest pain is from the heart. There are many reasons for chest pain other than the heart. However you need to consult with your physician and EKG should be performed to rule out heart disease.
Your heart rate is not typical for someone your age. 175 bpm is more typical of an intense workout and if you are getting that high with low level you should see your PCP and get a stress test done. If you've contracted COVID, even if it was 2 years ago, your heart rate could be elevated like this as well. You may also have an undiagnosed congenital heart condition. So please see your MD or DPT to have your cardiovascular system evaluated.
Even though you are young, if you have family history of premature coronary arterial disease, you should be evaluated by a cardiologist with complete blood work, ultrasound, and stress testing. You also may be suffering from cardiac arrhythmias (like supraventricular tachycardia) that are causing your chest pain.
