Exertional performance
A burning sensation in the chest during exertion is an important and common symptom of coronary heart disease (CHD). Those affected suffer from a narrowing of the coronary arteries that supply the heart muscle cells with oxygen and energy. During exertion (e.g. when walking up stairs), the narrowing means that not enough oxygen reaches the heart muscle.
Those affected often describe that they can only walk a certain number of floors before they need a break. A doctor can use this to assess whether a possible CHD is present and, if so, how severe it is. If there is a burning sensation in the chest during exertion, a doctor should be consulted and an ECG, heart ultrasound and, if necessary, further diagnostic tests should be carried out. However, the symptoms can also originate in the lungs. For example, if someone has been smoking for many years and has developed COPD, physical exertion can lead to an unpleasant burning sensation.
Burning caused by the thyroid gland
An overactive thyroid can also cause a burning sensation in the chest. The thyroid gland secretes hormones that cause a general increase in the body’s basal metabolic rate. In the case of hyperfunction, the excessive release of hormones leads to an increase in heart rate (tachycardia) or even to cardiac arrhythmia.
This can be perceived as a burning sensation in the chest. In addition, those affected are often restless, have sleep disturbances, sweating, and increased blood pressure. Hyperactivity can have various causes and should be clarified by a doctor.
Burning in the chest during pregnancy
A burning sensation in the chest is often caused by the stomach during pregnancy. As the baby takes up more and more space in the womb during pregnancy, the stomach is pushed further upwards. This can lead to heartburn – i.e. the stomach acid passes into the oesophagus.
As the muscles and tissue are also softened by progesterone (an important hormone during pregnancy), the sphincter muscles at the entrance to the stomach may no longer close effectively and the stomach acid may rise more easily. When lying down, the problem usually becomes even more severe. If the burning sensation is accompanied by additional problems such as chest pain, shortness of breath and anxiety, a doctor must be consulted so that heart and lung problems can be ruled out.
If the burning is more likely to be found in the breasts and in the area of the burst nipples, then this indicates a normal process during pregnancy. Because the breasts grow a lot in a short time due to the enlargement of the glandular body, many women experience feelings of tension, pressure or even burning in the breasts and nipples. If the burning sensation does not go away or if further symptoms occur, then the gynaecologist or midwife should definitely be consulted.
