Chest pain after exercise isn’t always a heart attack; it may be due to acid reflux or muscle strain. Learn how to spot the differences and when to seek help.
Chest pain after exercise often causes alarm, as the symptoms can resemble those of a heart attack. However, it may also be triggered by acid reflux or even a muscle injury. According to Dr Samuel Sudanawidjaja, Sp.JP, FIHA, FSCAI, Consultant Cardiologist at Mayapada Hospital Surabaya, it is crucial to distinguish between these conditions in order to provide the right treatment from the outset.
Chest pain during physical activity is frequently the result of an injury to the chest muscles or chest wall (costochondritis), caused by repetitive movements. “The pain usually feels sharp, especially when the chest is pressed or when taking a deep breath,” he explained.
It can, however, also be linked to heart problems such as angina or even a heart attack, which occur when the heart muscle does not receive enough oxygen due to restricted blood flow. Dr Samuel noted, “The symptoms include a pressing or tight sensation, sometimes with pain radiating to the left arm, which often improves with rest.”
Not all chest pain originates from the heart. Digestive issues, such as acid reflux (GERD), can also be a trigger — particularly if you exercise soon after eating. This is often characterised by a burning sensation in the chest (heartburn) that may spread to the throat. “This condition is not directly related to the heart and usually does not come with severe shortness of breath or dizziness. Instead, it is often accompanied by bloating, excessive belching, or discomfort in the stomach,” Dr Samuel added.
Although both heart disease and GERD may cause chest pain, there are key differences. “Chest pain linked to the heart typically appears during exercise and eases once activity stops, whereas GERD-related pain is more likely after eating or while lying down, and may improve when sitting upright or after taking an antacid,” he explained.
So, when should you be concerned? Dr Samuel advised, “Seek immediate medical attention if chest pain feels severe, like a heavy pressure, and radiates to the left arm, jaw, or back. Also, be cautious if the discomfort is accompanied by shortness of breath, cold sweats, or dizziness, particularly if symptoms do not improve with rest or if you have a history of heart disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or diabetes.”
While vigilance is important, chest pain during exercise can often be prevented. Allow at least 1.5–2 hours after a large meal before working out to avoid straining digestion, and always warm up properly. Stay well-hydrated, pace yourself if you are not used to intense activity, and undergo regular health check-ups, particularly if you have a history of cardiac or digestive issues.
Instead of guessing the cause of chest pain, patients are encouraged to visit the Chest Pain Unit at Mayapada Hospital, which is designed to quickly and accurately determine the source of discomfort. This initial assessment is offered free of charge if no signs of heart disease are detected. Patients who do show indications of cardiac issues will be promptly referred to the appropriate specialists for further care.
In the event of a suspected heart attack, the 24-hour Cardiac Emergency Team at Mayapada Hospital is prepared to perform Primary PCI (percutaneous coronary intervention) with a “door-to-balloon” time of under 90 minutes — the gold standard for saving lives during acute heart attacks.
The Mayapada Hospital Cardiovascular Centre provides comprehensive, internationally accredited cardiac services — from prevention, early detection, and diagnosis to interventional procedures, heart surgery, and rehabilitation — supported by a multidisciplinary team of experienced specialists and advanced medical technology.
To book a heart screening, patients can contact the call centre on 150770 or use the MyCare app. The app also features Health Articles & Tips on cardiac wellbeing, as well as a Personal Health function that connects with Health Access and Google Fit, allowing users to track daily steps, calories, heart rate, and BMI.
Download MyCare today and earn reward points for discounts on a wide range of medical services across all Mayapada Hospital units.