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Heart Palpitations Forum >> Symptoms and other concerns >> Warm chest/throat when running - heart?
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Message started by Ella on Jan 12^th, 2011, 5:37am

Title: Warm chest/throat when running - heart?
Post by Ella on Jan 12^th, 2011, 5:37am

Hi RLR,

Today I went running, first time in a couple of months and as I got half way I noticed my throat/upper chest got really warm, like there was fluid building up (but there wasn't) It really concerned me.

I finished the run and felt deflated, my eyes were blurry, I was a little light headed and that burning feeling went soon after I stopped.

What causes these things to happen? Should I speak to my doctor? I keep thinking it's my heart that's the problem.

I've had several cardiac examinations, all came back fine. I'm 22 and just trying to improve my fitness but I'm afraid my anxiety over these 'symptoms' will hold me back. Heart problem or just normal exercise induced symptoms?

I'm also taking 5mg of Bisoprolol once day. (For anxiety and to lower my anxious heart rate, which it has) Could this have anything to do with it? Should I come off them?

Thank you,

Ella

Title: Re: Warm chest/throat when running - heart?
Post by themoabird on Jan 12^th, 2011, 1:30pm

Ella - Beta-blockers can make running very difficult. If you pay a visit to any running forum, you'll find any number of doctors, etc., willing to tell you the same thing.

Title: Re: Warm chest/throat when running - heart?
Post by Ella on Jan 13^th, 2011, 1:09am

Thanks for your reply. How do you mean they make it difficult? Even on a low dose?

Title: Re: Warm chest/throat when running - heart?
Post by themoabird on Jan 13^th, 2011, 5:45am

Okay, well I'm not a doctor, but...

1. There will be individual variation in terms of how well people tolerate beta blockers and running (some people don't seem to have a problem);

2. I run seriously. I have high blood pressure. I was told to take Atenolol. I was on the lowest dose - because I'd mentioned the running - but it still completely ruined my ability to run. It was like having a tight band around my chest.

3. I saw a cardiologist (for my palps). He noticed the high BP. He said that he wouldn't recommend that I take beta blockers, because it would compromise my ability to run. (He suggested that I might try ACE inhibitors instead.)

4. But what you're describing sounds much more like the sort of gastric disturbance lots of people experience when they're running. If you've had cardiac examinations, and they were clear, if you're not experiencing crushing pain, or abnormal shortness of breath, etc., then the chances of it being a "heart problem" are vanishingly unlikely.

But I'm not a doctor, so...

ps., Obviously, you should never discontinue taking a medication just because of what somebody on an internet forum has said (whoever they might be, etc). Always consult with your primary care provider, etc (of course, I'm sure you already know this!). :)

Title: Re: Warm chest/throat when running - heart?
Post by RLR on Jan 13^th, 2011, 6:27pm

Well, the general preclusion to taking beta blockers if you are an athletic runner is that one of the efficacious or therapeutic effects of these drugs is that they reduce cardiac force in order to help regulate blood pressure. In a runner, this would be equivalent to a restriction in the heart's ability to perform at levels approaching maximum. The response is simply a persistent inability to exert the body beyond a certain point without feeling the inability to go the extra mile, so to speak.

A sensation of warmness in the chest and neck with a sensation of pressure would most likely be a variable symptom of GERD. It is not uncommon to produce excess stomach acid when exercising heavily and reflux into the esophageal corridor would indeed produce a warm sensation, although the affected individual typically experiences a bitter taste.

I see nothing here to suggest that you are at any type of risk. Always exercise in moderation, make certain to stay well-hydrated and stretch muscles both before and after exercising. There are mixed views about whether to eat before or after excercising, but generally it's whatever works best for you and presents you with the least difficulty.

Best regards,

Rutheford Rane, MD (ret.)