Categories
- Cardiology 84
- Dermatology 45
- Endocrinology 33
- ENT 16
- Fertility 190
- Gastroenterology 78
- General-Medicine 81
- Gynecology 80
- Hematology 19
- Infectious-Diseases 33
- Neurology 52
- Oncology 34
- Ophthalmology 23
- Orthopedics 69
- Pediatrics 31
- Procedure 23
- Public-Health 144
- Pulmonology 59
- Radiology 8
- Urology 68
- Wellness 161
- Woman-and-child 77
![What Are The Causes Of Left Chest Pain & When To Seek Emergency Help? What Are The Causes Of Left Chest Pain & When To Seek Emergency Help?](https://www.medicoverhospitals.in/images/articles/causes-of-left-chest-pain.webp)
Left Side Chest Pain: Causes, Symptoms & Treatment
Left side chest pain should never be ignored. If a person feels chest pain on the left side of their body, it could be a sign of a heart attack or other medical condition.
Left side chest pain can be caused due to a variety of reasons. The most dangerous causes involve the heart or lungs. Since chest pain can indicate a serious problem, it's critical to seek medical attention right away.
- Angina
- Gastrointestinal pain
- Heart attack
- Esophageal rupture
- Other gastrointestinal issues
- Lung issues
- Musculoskeletal injuries
- Panic attack
Secure your health with a second opinion. Make informed decisions and book your appointment today!
Get A Second OpinionLeft 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
The treatments for chest pain vary depending on the cause. For example, pain in the chest wall caused by arthritis or muscle strain may be treated with over-the-counter or prescription pain and inflammation medications.
Antibiotics treat bacterial heart infections and pneumonia, antacids relieve heartburn, "clot busters" dissolve blood clots, and anti-anxiety medications treat panic attacks. Nitroglycerin dilates blood vessels, allowing more blood to flow to the heart, while beta-blockers promote rest for the heart muscle, lower blood pressure, and prevent irregular heartbeats.
Finally, pulmonary embolism-related chest pain may necessitate surgery to improve blood flow and prevent new clots from forming, as well as valve repair or replacement in the case of aortic dissection.
Citations
https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/heart-attack/angina-chest-painhttps://www.uab.edu/news/health/item/11163-chest-pain-it-s-not-always-a-matter-of-the-heart
https://www.rush.edu/news/6-facts-about-chest-pain
https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/chest-pain
Chest Pain
Ready to take control of your health journey? Book your appointment now and start your path towards wellness today!
Book an AppointmentFrequently Asked Questions
Seek medical attention if chest pain is severe, lasts more than a few minutes, spreads to your arms, neck, or jaw, is accompanied by sweating, shortness of breath, or nausea, or if you have a history of heart disease.
Yes, gas trapped in the digestive system can cause chest pain on the left side, often described as a sharp or stabbing sensation. It may be accompanied by bloating, belching, or discomfort in the abdomen.
Pain under the left breast can be caused by various factors, including muscle strain, gastrointestinal issues, rib injuries, or conditions like costochondritis. It's essential to seek medical evaluation to determine the exact cause.
If chest pain is fleeting, reproducible by pressing on the chest, worsens with movement or breathing, or is relieved by rest or positional changes, it's less likely to be heart-related.
![Book Free Appointment](https://www.medicoverhospitals.in/images/form_person.webp)
Categories
- Cardiology 84
- Dermatology 45
- Endocrinology 33
- ENT 16
- Fertility 190
- Gastroenterology 78
- General-Medicine 81
- General 6
- Gynecology 80
- Hematology 19
- Infectious-Diseases 33
- Neurology 52
- Oncology 34
- Ophthalmology 23
- Orthopedics 69
- Pediatrics 31
- Procedure 23
- Public-Health 144
- Pulmonology 59
- Radiology 8
- Urology 68
- Wellness 161
- Woman-and-child 77