- 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
- 3759
- 3.5 Minute
Left Side Chest Pain While Breathing
Chest pain should never be ignored. If someone has chest pain on the left side of their body, it might mean they're having a heart attack or another health issue, like a lung problem or inflammation around the heart lining.
Immediately reach out to a nearer hospital if you or someone near you is experiencing unexplained left-sided or centre chest pain, including the following:
- Tightness in the chest
- Arm, neck, jaw, back, or abdomen shooting pain
- Breathing problems
- Dizziness, lightheadedness
- Weakness
- Vomiting or nausea
Causes of left side chest pain
Heart problems, lung diseases, bone and muscle problems, or stomach problems can cause left-sided chest pain. The underlying cause, which must be thoroughly investigated, determines the symptoms and nature of chest pain.
Causes of left-side chest pain related to the heart
- A heart attack happens when there's not enough blood flowing to the heart, which harms heart cells. It causes severe chest pain.
- Angina is chest pain caused by clogged arteries, which also reduces blood flow to the heart. It's like a heart attack but doesn't cause permanent damage, though it signals a higher risk of one.
- Pericarditis is an inflammation of the membrane around the heart, which can be acute or chronic. It causes sharp, stabbing chest pain on the left side.
- Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is abnormal heart muscle thickening. It causes left-sided chest pain.
- Mitral valve prolapse is an abnormal closure of a heart valve that causes chest pain and palpitations.
Secure your health with a second opinion. Make informed decisions and book your appointment today!
Get A Second OpinionCauses of left-side chest pain related to the lung
- Asthma, a type of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), can cause chest pain as well as wheezing, coughing, and difficulty breathing.
- Deep aching chest pain, fever, chills, and expectoration can all be symptoms of chest infections, lung abscesses, and pneumonia.
- Pleurisy is an inflammation of the pleura (the lining of the lungs) that can cause sharp chest pain when coughing or breathing.
- A pulmonary embolism, or a blood clot lodged in the lungs, can cause left-side chest pain and difficulty breathing.
- Chest pain can be caused by pulmonary hypertension or high blood pressure in the lung artery.
- Myocarditis, swelling of the heart muscle, can lead to left-side chest pain and trouble breathing.
- Coronary artery dissection, which occurs when the artery leading to the heart ruptures, can cause severe chest pain that extends to the back, neck, and abdomen.
Causes of left side chest pain for other reasons:
Gastrointestinal Conditions:
- Bloating and indigestion
- Gallbladder diseases
- Inflammation of the inner mucosa
- Gastric and peptic ulcers
- Pancreas disorders
Musculoskeletal Issues:
- Bone and muscle injuries
- Left-sided muscular spasms
- Rib fractures on the left side
- Nerve injuries
- Muscle strain
- Nerve compression
Other Causes:
- Shingles : Viral infection affecting the nerve course on the left side, leading to chest pain
- Stress : Increased stress can cause chest tightness
- Panic Attacks : Can mimic heart problems and cause chest pain, requiring proper evaluation
When Left-Side Chest Pain is Serious?
Not all chest pains are serious. Knowing the warning signs of a heart attack is important to distinguish between pain due to other reasons and pain as a sign of a heart attack:- Tightness in the chest
- Pain in the chest that radiates to the left arm, neck, or jaw
- Breathing difficulties, shortness of breath, and sweating
- A sensation of uneasiness, nausea, or dizziness.
Ready to take control of your health journey? Book your appointment now and start your path towards wellness today!
Book an AppointmentDiagnosis of Left-side Chest Pain
There are numerous possible causes of left-sided chest pain. A doctor will consider a person's medical history and symptoms when diagnosing.
A physical examination of the chest, heart, lungs, neck, and abdomen may also be performed. Following the physical examination, a doctor may order a number of tests, including:
- An electrocardiogram
- A radiograph
- A full blood count (CBC)
- A pulmonary angiography using computed tomography (CTPA)
- An ultrasonic
Treatment Options for Left-Side Chest Pain
- cTreatment for left-sided chest pain is dependent on the underlying cause. Medications are given to control the ondition and help in pain relief.
- A variety of factors can cause chest pain on the left side. Appropriate investigations should be performed based on symptoms, history, and clinical examination.
- Depending on the underlying cause, medication may be used in treatment.
Healthy Lifestyle Habits:
- Maintaining a healthy weight
- Eating a balanced diet
- Drinking plenty of water
- Engaging in regular, moderate exercise
- Being physically active
- Implementing stress management techniques
- Seeking medical treatment for high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, and obesity
Frequently Asked Questions
Sometimes your left side of the chest hurts for different reasons. It could be from muscles being strained, or it might mean there's a problem with your heart, lungs, or the area around your heart.
Yes, sometimes left-side chest pain can happen because of gas. When there's too much gas in your stomach or intestines, it can feel uncomfortable and like chest pain. But if you're not sure or if the pain is strong or won't go away, it's good to talk to a doctor.
If your chest hurts a lot, lasts for a long time, makes it hard to breathe, or if the pain spreads to your arm or jaw, it might be serious. It's important to get help from a doctor right away in those cases.
Yes, heavy lifting or running fast can sometimes cause muscle pain in the chest.
Spicy foods, caffeine, or fizzy drinks might make heartburn worse and cause chest discomfort.
No, sometimes it's just a muscle ache or heartburn. But if you're worried, it's important to talk to an adult.
Yes, chest pain can happen to kids too, often from playing sports or running around.
Stop playing and tell an adult. Rest and see if the pain goes away before starting to play again.
- Cardiology 2132
- Dermatology 168
- Endocrinology 135
- ENT 97
- Fertility 217
- Gastroenterology 232
- General 478
- General-Medicine 1685
- Gynecology 169
- Hematology 85
- Infectious-Diseases 208
- Neurology 207
- Oncology 345
- Ophthalmology 65
- Orthopedics 187
- Pediatrics 83
- Procedure 72
- Public-Health 209
- Pulmonology 126
- Radiology 13
- Second Opinion 311
- Urology 294
- Wellness 600
- Woman-and-child 447
Related Blogs
If you have any questions, please fill out the enquiry form or call us, and we will get back to you promptly.
040-68334455
