msparks

The other day we went for our regular Tuesday night ride. We are down to about 18 miles or so now becuase it's getting dark.

So I started using my MTB for more of a workout. It really is harder to ride 20+ mph with a MtB.

Anyhow, on the last ride, I feel behind with another rider and work really hard to catch up. (We were going over 24 MPH for a few miles) Next day there is a dull ache/pain in my chest.

Does anyone know what this is? Could I have damaged my heart or something? Or is it more of a chest cavity problem (Like I over extended myself or something)

BTW I'm 34 and decent physical condition with no known diseases.

I do no know what my heart rate was during this intense exercise but I work working harder than I ever have done in the past.

cyclebuzz

MAybe a check up is the safest option...you could get all the advice in the world, but an ECG will tell you if your heart is working normally. Good luck. Personally I wouldnt get it checked out unless it persists....could just be a strain.

Riddler

I've had numerous occassions of post-ride chest pain, and have had it checked out a few times (my insurance company hates me!); but the best advice I had from a dr. was that if the pain gets better, it's likely NOT your heart. I've been on omeprazole (prilosec) 2x/day since the last "chest-pain" episode, and it as kept these pains away. At your age and physical shape, it's likely either muscular (intercostal) or esophageal.
Did you have a beer or six after the ride? Evening alcohol consumption can cause pretty intense heartburn episodes the following day.
Just some thoughts.

msparks

Actually,

I didn't have any post ride booze, maybe I should have. As I usually do have my favorite recovery drink!! 1 qt of Icehouse. Hahaha.

Actually it feels better today than it did yesterday. There really is no "pain" but more of a strained feeling. It's just really weird, as I had never had this happen before. Maybe before, my legs would give out before I could actually strain somthing in my chest. My legs now are solid and do not tire easily (except on hills. LOL)


I wish I could find something on this condition on the internet. If you know what it's called let me know. (strained chest didn't get me anything in google)

DnvrFox

Different arm and body position on mtn bike than rb?

Pulling more with arms and chest when you did that extra effort to catch up?

kf5nd

Without a doubt, go make an appointment with a doctor, preferably a cardiologist.

IMMEDIATELY.

If chest pains re-occur, call 911 and have EMS transport you to the nearest ER. Do not attempt to go there yourself.

Yes, a 34 year old with no prior history can have heart disease. Yes, a 34 year old can drop dead of a sudden, unexpected heart attack.

Better safe than your family being sorry.

kf5nd

Symptoms of heart attack (from American Heart Assn., 1994 CPR wallet reference card)

Uncomfortable pressure, fullness, squeezing, or pain in the center of the chest that lasts more than a few minutes or that goes away and comes back.

Pain spreading to the shoulders, neck, or arms.

Chest discomfort with lightheadedness, fainting, sweating, nausea, or shortness of breath.

kf5nd

I had chest pains this year (age 43), got the full workup, it wasn't my heart, but knowing with 100% certainty that it wasn't my heart really made me feel better.

operator

Your lung could be collapsing.

msparks

I don't think it's a lung. I just think I over exerted myself, either stretching my lungs more than usual or something.

Though a few years ago I would start getting light headed and dizzy, especially after running or working out. I got checked and everything was normal. I even went and wore a heart monitor for 24 hours and it was normal.

Really today I feel much better. Of coarse we are doing another ride tonight, though I think I'm going to take it easy.

DnvrFox

Glad you are feeling better. I've never heard of some "stretching their lungs."

Any physiology types out there who can comment on "lung stretching?"

jeff williams

It's called overexertion.

DnvrFox

Really? Overexertion is the same as "lung stretching?"

Fascinating!

Thanks.

I learn a new physiolgical fact.

Here is an article I found on "lung stretching" on Google. Is this what you mean?

https://ajplung.physiology.org/cgi/co...ll/279/6/L1003

jeff williams

https://overexertionmetal.com/ Here some reading.

DnvrFox

All right!

Amazing what you can learn on the internet. Now it is totally clear. Wow.

jeff williams

https://www.co.broward.fl.us/mei00208.htm perhaps more to the point.

I had Pleuritis after prolonged exposure to charcoal dust, to avoid exposure was the remedy.
I still expierance it if I dramatically overexert my lungs (hill sprints, cold morning.)

astompa

I had this once. Went to doc and she said I tore some muscle fibers. NSAIDs help.

jon123

It doesn't sound like it was cardiac pain, although at 34 years old, you may as well get a stress test. Did your chest pain vary with inspiration?
PS the link https://ajplung.physiology.org/cgi/c...ull/279/6/L1003 has nothing to do with overexertion. That has to do with a serious condition that affects people after severe trauma, burns or on ventilators. Not what you had. The only medical condition I can think of that may be related to "stretching the lungs" is called a pneumothorax-in which the lung actually collapses. It can happen spontaneously to anyone, especially to relatively younger males, and resolved on its own in a few days. My guess is that that's not what you had, but just some exertional musculoskeletal pain. Having said that-a stress test is never a bad idea.

msparks

We folks thanks for all the ideas and suggestions.

Rode 60+ miles yesterday. A lot of it was over 20 mph. Legs are a little sore this am but chest is 100%. Could do 60 more today.

hlweyl

Alot of good advice here. If you are having chest pain, you should go to an Emergency Dept to make sure it is not a heart attack.

I would think you just over-did it now that you can ride with no problems. I would like to add that an ECG (EKG) only tells you the electrical activity of the heart, i.e. rhythm, and if you are having an active heart attack which would be confirmed by blood work.

good luck

JLD

Everyone is different. I've had the pneumothorax-and the surgery-Of a small pneumo-the pain will increase as you bend forward over the handlebars-if that is any help. They also show up on x-ray. But does it Hurt to breathe? Then I'd say you'd pulled a muscle in your chest wall. With a pneumo-it doesn't just hurt to breathe-the pain can be quite dull-but I assure you-it can be significant. It is more that you cannot get your breath. None the less-chest pain-should be investigated-to rule out the differences between muscle spasms and something going on cardiac wise.

rogermo

DON'T WAIT SEE A DOCTOR NOW ! I have had three heart attacks. The first two hurt like hell. But with time I was ok. Five years later I had one only a small pain in the chest but went to the doctors and had to have three stents put in. I'm fine now DON'T WAIT SEE THE DOCTOR. Rogermo

operator

Yep, i've had penumo on my bike. Actually played tennis and rode with a collapsed lung. It was VERY difficult mind you.

plhnw

I get chest pains just lifting heavy stuff and running. The doctors can't find anything wrong with me and I sure hope they know what they are doing? It happens more when it's cold.

I do think you should see a doctor before you do anymore biking.

Good luck!