How Can Exercise Potentially Cause Chest Pain?

During exercise, your heart works harder to pump blood to your muscles. This increased workload can cause stress on the heart, particularly in people who do extensive endurance exercise. The increased demand for oxygen and blood flow during exercise can also cause temporary spasms of the arteries around the heart, which may result in chest pain known as exercise-induced angina. This condition is more common in people with underlying heart conditions or risk factors for heart disease, such as high blood pressure or high cholesterol. Exercise can also exacerbate lung conditions, making it harder to breathe during physical activity. People with asthma, chronic bronchitis, or other respiratory conditions may experience chest tightness or pain while exercising. Additionally, breathing cold or dry air during exercise can irritate the airways and cause chest discomfort. Intense exercise can also temporarily strain the muscles and tissues in your chest, causing discomfort. While exercise is generally beneficial for health, progressing too quickly or skipping warm-ups can overwork the muscles. Listen to your body and consult a doctor if you experience severe or persistent chest pain.