Chest pain AFTER exercise?

[-andrew-]

Hi All,

Google (and the doctors!) have failed to help with this query and so I thought I'd put it to the wisdom of this forum. Since 2002 I've had 3 OH surgeries - Ross procedure in 2002, then an attempted valve repair and aortic root replacement 11 years after the Ross, then a straightforward aortic replacement (tissue - bovine valve) following a bout of endocarditis. I've since had another case of endocarditis that has resulted in moderate-severe leakage of my pulmonary valve (the aortic tissue valve is going strong). Lots of antibiotics got rid of the endocarditis but not before it damaged the valve. Through my surgeries and recoveries I've always stayed very active and have competed in triathlon throughout (to a relatively high level at age group level). The doctors have always trusted me to listen to my body and do largely what I want.

Recently, I've developed new symptoms which are confusing. I'm still exercising (at a reduced level) and feel fine during the exercise itself, but develop chest pain / discomfort about 1-2 hours after exercising that can last up to 2 days. The level of pain seems to be independent of the sport (i.e. the jarring nature of running is no worse than swimming) but somewhat linked to intensity (harder sessions, worse pain that lasts for longer).

A long shot I know, but has anyone had similar symptoms linked to pulmonary regurgitation?

Thanks,

Andrew

 

[Paleowoman]

Hi Andrew - I don’t have any experience of chest pain with pulmonary regurgitation, but….

I was getting intermittent chest pain along my sternum since AVR five years ago, then this past year, after getting an overuse injury in left shoulder (partially torn tendon and bursitis), the pain along my sternum got worse following physiotherapy for the shoulder problem. I think a lot of this was caused by the stretching exercises I was given which, for me, are not at all appropriate in view of sternotomy (and a degree of pectus excavatum) as stretching pulls the pectoralis muscles which then pull where the ribs attach to sternum. I get pain on breathing and also a klonking noises from time to time. I put this all down to costochondritis. This is obviously aggravated by any exercises which involve the chest muscles, ie bench press, dumbell fly, and even biceps curls as shoulders pull on the pectoralis muscles to a degree which pull on the sternum. Walking can also aggravate my pain due to arms swinging, but this pain does not happen at the time of exercise, in fact I am always pain free when weight lifting too, it always starts some time later, and then chest pain worse - all connected. I discovered too from a physiotherapist that ‘latent’ pain can be from tendon issues (unless it’s DOMS which is easily recognisable).

 

[user 16827]

Once the pain arrives Andrew, does it get worse on slow deep inhalation ?

and by leaning forwards say 45 degrees does this alleviate it any ?

 

[-andrew-]

Thanks Paleowoman - I love the ‘klonking’ description! Useful info there thanks - I agree that a lot of unusual chest discomfort can be explained by the disruption during surgery - not necessarily directly cardiac related.

Leadville - I only very rarely get pain on inhalation and bending forward seems to make it slightly worse if anything.

 

[user 16827]

Leadville - I only very rarely get pain on inhalation and bending forward seems to make it slightly worse if anything.

ahh thanks Andrew, well my initial thoughts were incorrect

best of luck with finding the solution

 

[ottagal]

Just a thought...Andrew....do you have GERD (acid reflux)? I have this and have had chest pain associated with it in the past (independent of exercise). I do have milld-moderate pulmonary regurgitation/stenosis, which as of last year the cardiologist felt it could still be monitored. Wishing you the best of luck in figuring this out.

 

[spartangator]

I don't have any suggestions, but I'm glad your doctors are not overly concerned (if I'm interpreting your note correctly) and hope some helpful answers arrive soon.