Jim Babel,

Thanks for your question.  An elevated heart rate during exercise indicates that your heart is in need of more oxygen-carrying blood.  When doctors obtain a cardiac stress test, the patient is exercised until they reach a pre-determined target heart rate.  When the heart does not obtain sufficient blood, this results in discomfort that can be felt in the chest, shoulders, back, jaw, and arms.  Every patient is different, especially diabetics and females.   The fact that you get your symptoms when you run and elevate your heart is a concern that your discomfort (though atypical) could be due to cardiac disease.   

I suggest you schedule an appointment with your physician in the near future for his evaluation.  After taking your history and examining you, he will perform an electrocardiogram.  If he is suspicious of a cardiac cause, he may request a cardiac stress test as a screening measure.

In the mean time, I would avoid running, or any exercise until this issue is resolve.  Should you develop discomfort at rest, or your discomfort during activity lasts more than 5 to 10 minutes, I suggest you go to the emergency room.

Best wishes.

Martin Cane, M.D.