What cause chest pain during intense cardio exercises?
Patient: Hi, I'm a 35 yr old female and I started working out 2-3 times a week 9 mths ago.  When under intense cardio, I experience one-sided (either right or left) chest pain right over my breast area. I'm not sure if that's the subclavian artery.The pain is so intense that, while the cardio class is going, I put pressure with my hands on the pain, to alleviate it. Why is this happening? Should I worry? Doctor: Thanks for your question on Healthcare Magic. I can understand your concern. Possibility of musculoskeletal pain is more but better to rule out exercise induced ischemia first. So get done ecg, 2d echo and stress test (trade mill test). If all these are normal then no need to worry for major heart related diseases. Sometimes, excessive cardio exercise can cause musculoskeletal chest pain. So avoid excessive cardio exercise. Avoid movements causing pain. Take painkiller like ibuprofen. Apply warm water pad on affected areas. Don't worry, you will be alright with all these. Hope I have solved your query. I will be happy to help you further. Wish you good health. Thanks.