Left Side Chest Pain: Causes, Symptoms & Diagnosis

• Angina
• Gastrointestinal pain
• Heart attack
• Esophageal rupture
• Other gastrointestinal issues
• Lung issues
• Musculoskeletal injuries
• Panic attack

Left Side Chest Pain Causes

Angina

Angina is not a disease in itself, rather, it is a symptom of heart issues like coronary heart disease. It is a form of chest pain, discomfort, or pressure that occurs when your heart muscle does not receive enough oxygen from the blood. You may also experience pain in your arms, shoulders, neck, back, or jaw.

Gastrointestinal pain

Left-sided chest pain is frequently caused by acid reflux and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). These conditions occur when stomach acid rises into the esophagus. As a result, there is a burning sensation across the chest that can occur on either side. Other signs and symptoms may include:

• a burning feeling in the chest
• difficulty swallowing
• a sour taste in the mouth

Heart attack

A heart attack occurs when the heart muscle is damaged due to a lack of oxygen-rich blood. Some heart attacks begin with mild chest pain that gradually worsens. signs of a heart attack include:

• tightening pressure in the chest
• Left-arm pain, though it can also occur in the right arm
• You have shooting pain in your neck, jaw, back, or stomach.
• shortness of breath
• cold sweat
• heartburn
• nausea, or vomiting
• abdominal pain
• lightheadedness

Esophageal rupture

A non-cardiac chest pain caused by an esophageal tear or rupture is a medical emergency. When the tube that connects the mouth to the stomach tears, this condition occurs. This allows food or fluids from the mouth to enter the chest and circulate the lungs.

Other gastrointestinal issues

Various stomach and intestine problems can cause pain that begins or spreads to the chest. An ulcer, which is a sore in the intestine, can cause pain to radiate to the chest.

Gallbladder disease, like heart attack symptoms, can cause severe muscle spasms or painful pressure in the chest that extends to the upper back and breastbone.

Pancreatitis, which originates in the gastrointestinal tract, causes pain in the middle of the body, beneath the ribs. However, it can also feel like a constant, piercing pain in the chest. Besides chest pain, you may experience:

• stomach pain
• bloating
• nausea
• heartburn
• gas
• loss of appetite
• indigestion

Lung issues

Lung problems can cause chest pain that gets worse every time you take a breath. Pneumonia is a bacterial, viral, or fungal infection of one or both lungs. Pain, cough, and fever follow, as does sharp or stabbing chest pain that worsens with deep breathing or coughing, especially if the left lung is infected.

Musculoskeletal injuries

There are numerous types of soft tissue or bone injuries in the chest that can cause left-sided chest pain. A broken rib or costochondritis, an inflammation of the cartilage surrounding a rib, are two examples.

Some symptoms of a musculoskeletal injury include:

• hearing or feeling a rib-related cracking sensation
• Pain that usually gets worse when you breathing
• Swelling or tenderness in a particular area
• bruising that is visible

Panic attack

Panic attacks strike suddenly and usually peak within 10 minutes. A panic attack can mimic a heart attack due to chest pain and other symptoms. Other symptoms, besides chest pain, include:

• shortness of breath
• rapid heartbeat
• dizziness
• sweating or chills
• nausea
• feeling as though you might choke
• intense fear

Diagnosis for Left Side Chest Pain

• an ECG
• an X-ray
• a complete blood count (CBC)
• a computed tomography pulmonary angiography (CTPA)
• an ultrasound

Treatment for Left Side Side Chest Pain

Treatment depends on the specific cause diagnosed:

• Musculoskeletal Issues: Rest, ice packs, pain relievers, and physical therapy.
• Heart Conditions: Medications (such as nitroglycerin for angina), lifestyle changes (like diet and exercise), and sometimes surgical interventions.
• Lung Problems: Antibiotics for infections, medications to relieve symptoms, and occasionally procedures to drain fluid or air.
• Digestive Issues: Antacids, acid-suppressing medications, dietary changes, and in severe cases, surgery.

Conclusion

Left side chest pain is a symptom that requires prompt evaluation to determine its cause and appropriate treatment. If you experience persistent or severe chest pain, seek medical attention immediately to ensure timely diagnosis and management.