Chest Pain on the Left Side Above the Breast From Too Much Exercise

Pain above your left breast may be a sign of a serious underlying health problem or a minor one. That is why if you experience pain above your left breast following exercise you should seek medical attention. Timely medical intervention can prevent potentially life threatening complications. You should always consult your physician before you start any exercise program.

Cardiovascular Causes

Pain in the vicinity of your left breast may be associated with a condition known as cardiac ischemia. During cardiac ischemia. your heart muscle's blood supply is diminished. A diminished blood supply will prevent your heart from receiving all of the oxygen and nutrients it requires. During exercise, the demand for nutrients and oxygen is increased. This can cause chest pains around and above your left breast. This condition is diagnosed by your doctor by auscultation, an ECG test as well as a cardiac ultrasound. It is treated using a variety of drugs and in severe cases may require surgery.

Muscle Damage

Pain above your left breast after exercise may be caused by damage to your pectoral muscles. These are the muscles of your chest. Straining or tearing of the muscle fibers can lead to pain and swelling in the area above and around your breast. This condition is diagnosed using ultrasound, an MRI and a physical examination. It is treated using medical as well as surgical methods.

Bone Damage

Damage to your skeletal structure can also cause pain above your breasts. Fractured ribs or collar bones can be a result of strenuous exercise. Brittle bones can be damaged when conducting strenuous physical activity, improperly or unhealed injuries may be aggravated as well. Damage to the bones of your rib cage is diagnosed using X-ray. These conditions are treated by immobilizing the damaged area, pain killing medication and if required surgery.

Pinched Nerve

Compressed nerves may also be the cause of pain above your left breast. This type of injury usually occurs as a result of an awkward movement during exercise or because of trauma. This can be diagnosed by a physical examination, an electromyography, and nerve conduction studies. It is treated with anti-inflammatory medications and, if required, surgery.