Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs)
What Chest Pain On Your Left Side Could Mean
Does chest pain on the left side mean a heart attack?Who hasn't seen an actor on TV or in a movie fall to their knees clutching the left side of their chest, clearly in pain and in distress? The character was clearly having a heart attack, as far as we could tell.
Chest pain is one of the symptoms of a heart attack. But it doesn't automatically mean you're having one. It could be a symptom of a less serious condition such as heartburn or pain from excessive coughing when you have a chest infection.
Yet, even seemingly harmless conditions can feel like a heart attack. So how do you know if chest pain on the left side is something you should worry about?
We asked several cardiologists what chest pain on your left side could be.
Reasons why we have chest pain on the leftSince the heart shares space with other organs, tissues, and nerves, chest pain on the left side could be from a number of other things.
"Lung, bone, gallbladder, pancreas, stomach, and soft tissue conditions can result in chest pain or discomfort on the left side," says cardiologist Noel Bairey Merz, MD, director of the Barbara Streisand Women's Heart Center in the Smidt Heart Institute at Cedars-Sinai in Los Angeles.
Other times, chest pain could be a warning sign of something more critical, says Ankur Kalra, MD, an interventional cardiologist at the Cleveland Clinic, in Akron, Ohio. "Dull pain radiating to the jaw, neck, back, shoulder or arm; stabbing pain radiating to the back; constant, dull pain for several minutes." None of these are a good sign, he says.
Cardiologists caution that chest pain is not something you should try to diagnose on your own. "You cannot determine if chest pain is serious with a Google search or by asking friends or family members (unless they are a physician)," says Dr. Bairey Merz. "'You must get a diagnostic evaluation with a physician without delay."
Heart attack signs and symptomsTime is critical when you're having a heart attack. You have about 90 minutes from the onset of the heart attack to restore the flow of blood to the heart before critical heart tissue dies or is damaged. Call 911 right away if you experience any of these heart attack symptoms:
Pain in the middle of the chest that spreads to the jaw, back, or arms
A feeling of heaviness in the heart, as if it is pounding out of your chest
Dizziness
Sudden sweating
Nausea
Shortness of breath
Loss of consciousness
Bluishness of the lips, hands, or feet
Disorientation
Many women will feel different kinds of symptoms than men when they have a heart attack. "Two-thirds of heart attack symptoms in men and one-third in women are typical, meaning radiation to the left chest and/or arm or jaw, shortness of breath, nausea, or sweating," says Dr. Bairey Merz.
Because these symptoms are subtle and not accompanied by chest pain, they might be overlooked and blamed on stress, muscular pain, or digestion issues. Don't shrug these off. A delay in diagnosis can cost valuable time in getting proper treatment or result in death, Dr. Bairey Merz says.
Subtle heart attack symptoms in women include:
Sudden onset of weakness
Shortness of breath
Nausea or vomiting
Heartburn or indigestion
Body aches
An overall feeling of illness
Unusual feeling or mild discomfort in the back, chest, arm, neck, or jaw
Sleep disturbance
Woman having a pain in the heart area.
Non-cardiac reasons for chest pain on the left sideThe skin, nerves, muscles, bones, tendons, soft tissue, and cartilage all share real estate on the left side. If one of these areas is infected, inflamed, or injured, it could cause chest pain.
"Non-cardiac pain on the left side usually will present itself as pain that lasts for a few seconds or can be reproduced by pressing on your chest," says Raj Khandwalla, MD, director of Digital Therapeutics in the Smidt Heart Institute at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles.
Don't dismiss the symptoms however. You still need to check in with your doctor.
"Symptoms that are new and/or severe require diagnostic evaluation urgently by calling 911 and/or going to the emergency department," says Dr. Bairey Merz. "Symptoms that are new and less severe can be addressed by a call to the physician for decisions and diagnosis."
Here are some of the more common causes of chest pain on the left side:
Chest wall or nerve painA strained or pulled muscle in the chest area, blunt force trauma to the chest area, or even recent surgery can cause the chest wall to hurt. Inflammatory arthritis of the sternum and rib cage, known as costochondritis, can also cause chest pain on the left side of your breastbone.
It happens when cartilage that connects the ribs to the breastbone becomes inflamed. The pain may be sharp, aching, pressure-like, or feel tender to the touch.
Chest pain is also an early symptom of shingles, a painful, blistering skin condition that occurs when the same virus that causes chickenpox is reactivated in the body. (The blisters, which tend to show up after the pain starts, are on one side of the body and typically affect the chest, face, or arms.)
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)"The most frequent condition blamed for non-cardiac chest pain is typically heartburn (gastroesophageal disorder or GERD)," says Dr. Bairey Merz. "So this is likely also the most blamed for the left side if there is no evident skin, muscle, joint, or lung problem."
Some of the same nerves serve the esophagus and the heart. So when chest pain from stomach acid moves up into the tube that connects the throat to the stomach, it causes a burning sensation, pressure, and tightness in the chest near the heart. GERD can also present as heart attack symptoms in that the chest pain radiates to the back, neck, jaw, or arms. The pain lasts anywhere from a few minutes to a few hours.
Other gastrointestinal issuesVarious problems related to the stomach and intestines can generate pain that begins or spreads to the chest. The pain from an ulcer, which is a sore in the intestinal tract, can radiate to the chest.
Gallbladder disease can cause severe muscle spasms or painful pressure in the chest, extending to the upper back and breastbone—like heart attack symptoms.
Pancreatitis, stemming from the gastrointestinal region, produces pain in the middle of the body, under the ribs. But it can feel like an ongoing, drilling pain in the chest, too. In addition to chest pain, these gastrointestinal tract issues typically give you stomach pain, bloating, nausea, heartburn, gas, loss of appetite, and indigestion.
Lung issuesProblems related to the lungs can cause chest pain that feels worse every time you take a breath. Pneumonia is an infection of one or both lungs caused by bacteria, viruses, or fungi. Pain, cough, and fever ensue—and so does a sharp or stabbing chest pain that's worse with deep breathing or coughing, particularly if the left lung is infected.
A pulmonary embolism is a blood clot in the lung. These are rare, but they can cause chest pain that occurs suddenly along with difficulty breathing, especially when you take a deep breath. Shortness of breath, coughing up blood, or pink, foamy mucus are also hallmark symptoms. Emergency treatment is critical for a pulmonary embolism.
A collapsed lung (called pneumothorax) can also cause chest pain that gets worse when you breathe or cough, and is usually accompanied by shortness of breath.
Psychological disordersPanic attacks, anxiety, depression, and emotional stress caused by intense fear or discomfort may also cause you to feel pain in the chest. A panic attack often feels like a heart attack because you have a racing or pounding heartbeat that causes hyperventilation, which produces chest pain.
You may also experience symptoms that are similar to a heart attack, such as lightheadedness, shortness of breath, sweating, and nausea.
Broken heart syndromeThe stress that comes from a loved one's sudden death, the abrupt firing from a job, or a catastrophic medical diagnosis can sometimes trigger a condition known as broken heart syndrome. "Broken heart syndrome mimics a heart attack," says Dr. Kalra. "It causes pain predominantly on the left and lasts several minutes. It may radiate to the jaw, neck, back, arm or shoulder, and may be associated with perspiration or a drop in blood pressure—all similar to a heart attack."
Unlike a heart attack, broken heart syndrome doesn't cause blockage in the arteries, but the left ventricle (the heart's main pumping chamber) will have an unusual and distinctive shape.
It typically resolves without lasting damage. While it can happen to men and women, women typically experience it more frequently.
Cardiac reasons for chest pain on the leftIn addition to a heart attack, here are some more heart-related issues for chest pain on the left side. As Dr. Bairey Merz says, these are not conditions you can self-diagnose. Call 911 at once to get help.
AnginaAngina is a type of chest pain that happens if the heart muscle isn't getting enough oxygenated blood, usually due to heart disease. It might happen when you're exerting yourself (because the need for oxygenated blood will increase) and ease up with rest. Still, it's a warning sign that you should call your doctor to rule out anything serious.
Unstable angina is chest pain that doesn't dissipate with rest. (Compared with stable angina, which does go away with rest.) And it's not the type of chest pain you mess around with—especially when you have other symptoms including chest pain that radiates to the throat or jaw, tightness or pressure in the chest, and pain down the arms and between shoulder blades.
PericarditisPericarditis is a condition in which the pericardium—the sac-like tissue surrounding the heart—becomes inflamed, often because of a viral or bacterial infection. When the condition is acute, chest pain begins suddenly and sharply and worsens with deep breaths or coughing.
Sitting up or leaning forward typically relieves chest pain. Other symptoms include shortness of breath while lying down, a dry cough, low-grade fever, abdominal or leg swelling, whole body weakness, and fatigue.
MyocarditisInflammation of the heart muscle is known as myocarditis. Chest pain usually presents itself a week or two after a viral illness. Sharp chest pain ensues, along with an abnormal heart rhythm, a racing heart, and pale skin as the heart muscle's inflammation gets worse.
Though myocarditis can be mild or severe, you can't know which one applies to you. So don't hesitate and get medical evaluation immediately.
Valve issuesThe heart has four chambers. Valves connect the upper and lower chambers with flaps that open and close to ensure that blood flows in only one direction. Symptoms might not present with all heart valve issues, but seek medical help immediately if you have other symptoms including:
shortness of breath (during activity or rest)
fainting or loss of consciousness
dizziness or light-headedness
chest pain with exertion or exposure to the cold
heart palpitations
swelling in the ankles, feet, or stomach
Aortic dissection is a rare, but life-threatening cardiovascular condition in which the aorta, the largest artery in the body, tears. Many conditions increase the risk of aorta dissection, including trauma to the chest, hardening of the arteries, or a preexisting aneurysm.
Aortic dissection symptoms come on very suddenly, with severe chest pain that radiates to the back or between the shoulder blades. It's often described as a ripping or tearing sensation.
Other symptoms are similar to a heart attack, including dizziness, nausea, vomiting, and shortness of breath. As with all cardiac reasons for chest pain on the left side, you should get emergency medical help right away.
Diagnosing chest pain on the left side"When a person seeks medical evaluation for any chest pain that individual will receive an electrocardiogram," says Dr. Khandwalla. "If suspicion is high for cardiac chest pain in the emergency room, they will receive blood tests to measure if there has been damage to the heart that would indicate the patient is having a myocardial infarction—or heart attack."
Dr. Khandwalla said more tests might be needed to observe the blood flow, arteries, and muscle of the heart. For example, a stress test is done to see if there is decreased blood flow to the heart muscle. An echocardiogram visualizes the function of the heart muscle. And an angiogram using a CT scan or cardiac catheter to zoom in on the arteries of the heart and determine if there is a blocked artery.
Chest pain treatmentAs the causes of chest pain vary, so do the treatments. For example, chest wall pain from arthritis or muscle strain might be treated with over-the-counter or prescription medications for pain and inflammation.
Antibiotics address bacterial heart infections or pneumonia, antacids for heartburn, "clot busters" to remove blood clots, and anti-anxiety medications for panic attacks. Nitroglycerin helps widen the blood vessels to get more blood flowing to the heart, and beta-blockers promote rest for the heart muscle, help with blood pressure and prevent an irregular heartbeat.
Finally, the chest pain associated with a pulmonary embolism may require surgery to improve blood flow and minimize new clots from forming, and valve repair or replacement in the case of aortic dissection.
50 Best Foods for Your Heart All You Need to Know About Heart Attacks Silent Signs of a Heart AttackThe post What Chest Pain on Your Left Side Could Mean appeared first on The Healthy.
Is Your Arm Pain Related To Heart Attack? Expert Answers
Cardiovascular Diseases (CVDs) are the leading cause of death worldwide, accounting for an estimated 1.79 crore deaths each year, reports the World Health Organization (WHO). More than four out of five CVD deaths are caused by heart attacks and strokes, and one-third of these deaths occur prematurely in people under 70 years of age, the health body states.
A heart attack is a life-threatening condition that occurs when the flow of blood to the heart is reduced to a great extent or blocked due to factors such as cholesterol buildup in the arteries. While most cases of heart attack come with no noticeable symptoms, in certain cases, there may be mild and unusual indications, including arm pain. But how do you know if it is a heart attack?
Also Read: Silent Heart Attack: Can You Have A Heart Attack And Not Know It?
Heart Attack Can Lead To Unusual SymptomsA heart attack is often associated with intense chest pain and dizziness. However, they can manifest in other surprising ways.
Speaking with the OnlyMyHealth team, Dr V Vinoth Kumar, Senior Consultant Interventional Cardiologist, CARE Hospitals, HITEC City, Hyderabad, shares, "Unusual signs of a heart attack may include jaw or back pain, particularly in women; shortness of breath without chest pain, more prevalent in older adults or those with diabetes; unexplained and extreme fatigue (especially in women); and nausea or vomiting alongside other symptoms."
One may also feel weak, light-headed, faint, or break out into a cold sweat.
How To Know If Arm Pain Is Related To Heart Attack?According to Dr Kumar, arm pain is another unusual symptom of a heart attack, which can be hard to track and recognise.
She shares, "Identifying arm pain associated with a heart attack involves recognising specific characteristics."
"This pain typically concentrates in the left arm but may extend to the right or both arms, often radiating from the chest. Described as a dull, aching, or squeezing sensation, it can also manifest suddenly and intensely. Such arm pain is commonly accompanied by symptoms like chest discomfort, shortness of breath, nausea, lightheadedness, and cold sweats," he explains.
Risk Factors To ConsiderSome of the factors that put people at risk of a heart attack include:
"In the event of a heart attack, immediate actions are crucial," says Dr Kumar.
"Emergency services should be contacted promptly, and if advised by a healthcare professional, chewing an aspirin can help thin the blood," he advises.
Adding further, he recommends resting and maintaining calmness.
In severe cases where the person becomes unresponsive and isn't breathing normally, performing Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), if trained, becomes essential for immediate intervention.
DisclaimerAll possible measures have been taken to ensure accuracy, reliability, timeliness and authenticity of the information; however Onlymyhealth.Com does not take any liability for the same. Using any information provided by the website is solely at the viewers' discretion. In case of any medical exigencies/ persistent health issues, we advise you to seek a qualified medical practitioner before putting to use any advice/tips given by our team or any third party in form of answers/comments on the above mentioned website.
What Causes Sudden, Sharp Chest Pain That Goes Away?
Sudden sharp pain in the chest that goes away quickly can happen for a number of reasons. While chest pain could signify something serious like a heart attack, it could also occur from less life threatening causes.
There are different kinds of chest pain. In fact, according to one 2016 study, only about 6% of people who go to the emergency room because of chest pain are actually facing a life threatening condition.
You can experience different types of chest pain. It may be dull or sharp, sudden or chronic, and it may even feel like burning. Sometimes the pain will extend beyond the area of the chest. How you experience it depends mostly on the cause.
Get urgent medical care if you have severe, sudden pain. Go to the emergency room or call 911 or your local emergency services immediately. For milder or duller pain, it's still a good idea to see a doctor.
You will usually experience other symptoms along with the pain that can help the doctor diagnose the cause, so it's important to give them a full description of what you're feeling.
Sudden, sharp chest pain lasts for less than a few seconds. Some people might describe it as an electric shock or a stabbing pain. It lasts for an instant, and then it's gone.
Here are some common causes of this type of chest pain.
1. Heartburn/GERDHeartburn or acid reflux is also called indigestion and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). It happens when stomach acid splashes up from your stomach. This can cause a sudden pain or burning feeling in the chest.
Heartburn is a common cause of chest pain. Almost 20% of people in the United States have heartburn symptoms every day.
2. Precordial catch syndromePrecordial catch syndrome (PCS) is a non-serious condition that occurs mostly in children and young adults but can also happen in adulthood. It's thought to be aggravated by either a pinched nerve in the chest or a muscle spasm.
No treatment is necessary for this, and there are no negative health effects.
3. Muscle strain or bone painMuscle or bone problems can cause sudden, sharp chest pain. Your ribs and the muscles between them can get injured or bruised by working out, carrying something heavy, or in a fall. You can also sprain a muscle in your chest wall.
Chest muscle or bone strain can lead to sudden, sharp pain in your chest. This is especially common if the muscle or bone pinches a nerve. Damage to chest wall muscles and bones can be caused by broken ribs or certain diseases affecting the bones, such as costochondritis.
4. Lung problemsLung and breathing problems can cause sudden, sharp chest pain. Some lung problems can be serious. See your doctor immediately if you have any of these symptoms:
Lung conditions that can cause chest pain include:
5. Anxiety and panic attacksSevere anxiety and panic attacks can cause sudden, sharp chest pain. This mental health condition can happen for no reason at all. Some people may have a panic attack after a stressful or emotional event.
Other symptoms of a panic attack are also very similar to a heart attack.
Learn to tell the difference between a panic attack and a heart attack.
6. Heart issuesMost people think of a heart attack when they have chest pain. Heart attacks typically cause dull pain or an uncomfortable feeling of pressure or tightness in the chest. They may also cause a burning pain in the chest.
Most heart attacks cause a dull, crushing pain or discomfort in the center of the chest. The pain typically lasts longer than a few minutes. It might also go away and then happen again.
Additionally, chest pain from a heart attack is usually diffuse. This means that it is difficult to pinpoint. The chest pain may spread from the center or all over the chest.
Get emergency medical treatment if you have any symptoms of a heart attack.
Other heart conditions can also trigger chest pain. They may be more likely to cause sudden, sharp chest pain than a heart attack. Any condition that affects the heart can be serious and needs medical attention. Examples include angina or myocarditis.
Other causes of sudden, sharp chest pain include digestive disorders and viral infections like:
The most urgent and serious cause of chest pain is heart attack. The following chart can help you differentiate between pain caused by heart attack compared to other causes.
The chart below shows typical symptoms of heart disease. Some people may experience atypical symptoms not included in this list.
Can you have chest pain without heart attack?Yes. Many conditions can cause chest pain, including:
There are many possible causes of chest pain. Three common causes include heartburn or GERD, precordial catch syndrome, and gallbladder or pancreatic conditions.
What are three warning signs of a heart attack in females?According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the signs and symptoms of heart attack may be the same in males or females and include chest pain; shortness of breath; jaw, neck, back, arm, or shoulder pain; nausea, light-headedness, or unusual fatigue.
What causes a quick sharp pain in the chest?One common cause of sharp pain in the chest that lasts for just a few seconds may be precordial catch syndrome.
What causes chest pain if an EKG is normal?There are many non-cardiac conditions that may cause chest pain, including:
Many things may cause chest pain besides a heart attack, including other heart conditions, such as angina or pericarditis, a panic attack, a hernia, acid reflux, cholecystitis, a collapsed lung, a blood clot in the lung, or pneumonia.
Because the causes of sharp pain in the chest are so varied, only a doctor can diagnose you properly. If you are experiencing chest pain, see a doctor.
Why do I get random stabbing pains?Many things may cause random stabbing pains. Depending on how long it lasts, the cause could be an injury. If you are experiencing random stabbing pains in your chest, it's a good idea to speak with a healthcare professional.
Most causes of sudden, sharp chest pain are not caused by a heart attack. However, some other causes of chest pain can be serious. If you have chest pain or any other symptoms of a heart condition, get immediate medical attention.
A doctor can find out what is causing your chest pain. You may need a chest X-ray or scan and a blood test. An ECG test that looks at your heartbeat can check your heart health.
Only a small percentage of people with chest pain are actually having a heart attack. However, it is always better to have a doctor confirm the cause of your sudden, sharp chest pain.
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