If you experience chest pain on the left side, your first reaction might be that you're suffering a heart attack. Chest pain can be a sign of cardiac problems, but that is not always the case.
Continue reading to learn more about the causes of discomfort on the left side of the chest, the symptoms that accompany it, advice for how to treat each, and other signals of life-threatening disorders to be aware of.
What causes chest pains on the left side?
Several conditions might produce pain on the left side of the chest. They might be benign or life-threatening.
If you are unsure about the reason for the pain on the left side of your chest, get emergency medical attention right once.
Here are some common causes of left-sided chest pain:
- Angina (chest pain): This is a common sign of coronary heart disease, although other cardiac problems can also cause it. The pain and discomfort usually affect your left arm, shoulder, left side of your neck, and left side of your jaw. You may also feel discomfort in your back.
- Heart attack: Some heart attacks begin with moderate chest pain that progresses slowly. They can sometimes begin quickly, with severe pain on the left side or middle of your chest.
- Myocarditis: This can cause cardiovascular illness owing to inflammation in the heart. Doctors frequently cannot determine a cause, but when they do, it is usually a viral infection.
- Cardiomyopathy: This is a cardiac muscle ailment, sometimes known as an enlarged heart. Cardiomyopathy may occur without symptoms, but it can also cause chest pain.
- Pericarditis: This can result in a sharp ache on the left side or the middle of the chest. The pain can also occur in one or both shoulders. Pericarditis can be caused by infections, cardiac surgery, a heart attack, an injury, or certain drugs.
- Panic attack: This can occur abruptly and usually peaks within 10 minutes. A panic episode, characterized by chest discomfort, chest tightness, and other symptoms, can mimic a heart attack.
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD): GERD can lead to discomfort and acid reflux. Symptoms include a burning sensation in your upper abdomen and chest.
- Muscle or chest wall injury: Chest pain can be caused by pulled, strained, or sprained muscles in the chest or between the ribs. If you feel you have broken a bone, contact a doctor right soon. It can take up to 10 weeks to improve, and much longer to completely heal. In the interim, you'll need to avoid vigorous activities.
- Collapsed lung (pneumothorax): This can be caused by sickness or chest trauma, resulting in abrupt and severe discomfort on either side of the chest.
When should I worry about left chest pain?
Chest pain, or chest heaviness in general, is a sign of a heart attack or any life-threatening condition in which every minute counts.
Call 911 or your local emergency services if you or someone close to you suffers unexplained left-sided or widespread chest pain and the following:
Heart attack
According to the CDC, the majority of heart attacks are characterized by discomfort in the middle or left side of the chest that lasts more than a few minutes. The soreness may subside and then return.
Other symptoms of heart attack can include:
- lightheadedness, weakness, or dizziness
- pain in your left arm, though it can also occur in your right arm
- shortness of breath
- shooting pain in your neck, jaw, back, or stomach
- tightening, squeezing, or crushing pressure in your chest
- heartburn, nausea, or vomiting
Chest pain and other typical symptoms can affect both men and women, although females may additionally experience weariness, nausea, and lightheadedness.
Pulmonary embolism
Aside from chest pain, additional symptoms of PE may include:
- bluish tone to lips
- back pain
- dizziness
- lightheadedness
- shortness of breath
- excessive sweating
- coughing
Aortic dissection
Aside from chest pain, an aortic dissection can include:
- clammy skin
- pain in your jaw, neck, stomach, or shoulder
- difficulty breathing
- feeling dizzy, faint, nauseous, or weak
If not treated immediately, it can lead to hemorrhagic shock due to excessive blood loss.
When to go to the hospital for left chest pain?
The chest pain is the most commonly known sign of heart attack. If you have any type of chest pain, contact 911 and follow the dispatcher's instructions.
If you have periodical left-sided chest pain, you may search for “cardiology clinics near me” to find a cardiologist to consult with.
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