{"id":3324,"date":"2019-01-27T08:54:32","date_gmt":"2019-01-27T08:54:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/simplyhealth.today\/?p=3324"},"modified":"2021-05-03T14:44:53","modified_gmt":"2021-05-03T14:44:53","slug":"10-causes-of-chest-pain-on-left-side","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/simplyhealth.today\/10-causes-of-chest-pain-on-left-side\/","title":{"rendered":"14 Causes of Chest Pain on Left Side"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

If you are experiencing pain on the left side of the chest<\/a>, you may think that you are experiencing a heart attack. Chest pain can be a symptom of a heart attack or heart disease, but it can also be a symptom of other issues. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

While left-sided chest pain does not always mean that you are having a heart attack, it is important to seek medical attention right away if you are experiencing any type of pain in your chest it is important to seek medical attention right away. If the chest pain does have something to do with your heart, every second counts. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you have unexplained pain in your chest accompanied by weakness or dizziness, nausea or vomiting, and shooting pain in the abdomen, neck, jaw, arms, or back, getting medical attention immediately is important. Here are 8 other possible causes of chest pain on the left side of your chest. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. Angina
<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Angina <\/a>is a symptom of a heart issue but is not necessarily a disease in itself. Angina causes chest discomfort or pain. It can cause pressure as your heart is not getting enough oxygen into the blood. A person who suffers from angina may also experience discomfort in the neck, jaw, back, shoulders, and arms. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you are experiencing this type of discomfort or pain it is important to make sure that you seek medical attention. It is important to determine that the underlying condition is diagnosed and treated properly. Some diagnostic testing for angina may include chest x-rays, blood tests, a stress test, or an electrocardiogram. The treatment for angina will depend on what is causing it. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Treatment may include lifestyle changes, medication, and possible cardiac procedures as needed. Your doctor will determine the best options available to treat your underlying conditions and to help ease the discomfort you have been experiencing. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

2. Heart Attack
<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

When the heart muscle becomes damaged from not getting enough blood that is full of oxygen, a heart attack<\/a> will occur. There are some people who experience a heart attack that starts with some mild chest pain that slowly builds up. This may occur over a short or longer period of time. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

A heart attack may also happen quite quickly with a person developing intense pain in the center or left side of the chest. Some of the other symptoms of a heart attack include pain in the left art, or possibly the right arm, squeezing or crushing pressure, or a tightening of the chest, shortness of breath, heartburn, vomiting, nausea, shooting pain in the jaw, neck, stomach, or back, cold sweats, dizziness or lightheadedness, or abdominal pain. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The symptoms of a heart attack vary with each person. Most commonly, both men and women experience pain or discomfort in the chest. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

3. Myocarditis
<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Pain in the left side of the chest could indicate that the muscle of the heart has become inflamed. Some of the symptoms of myocarditis <\/a>or inflammation of the heart include arrhythmia, or abnormal heart rhythm, shortness of breath, or fatigue. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Inflammation of the heart can affect the electrical system of the heart. This can cause the heart to become weak and may cause damage to the muscle of the heart as well. A mild case of myocarditis will sometimes improve without any type of treatment. However, if you have a severe case of this inflammation, medication may be necessary. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you suffer from an inflammation of the heart muscle it is important to have it properly diagnosed. Your doctor will conduct different tests in order to determine the cause of the inflammation. Dietary changes may be necessary and in severe cases, medication is needed to help reduce the inflammation and decrease the risk of damage. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

4. Cardiomyopathy
<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Cardiomyopathy <\/a>is also referred to as an enlarged heart. It is a disease that affects the heart muscle. There are some people who suffer from cardiomyopathy who do not have any symptoms at all. However, there are some people who suffer from chest pain as a result of their cardiomyopathy. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Some of the other symptoms that a person with cardiomyopathy may cause include: dizziness, shortness of breath, heart palpitations, and swelling in the feet, legs, ankles, abdomen, and hands. The treatment for cardiomyopathy will vary based on its severity. Cardiac procedures may be necessary. This may include surgery. Medications may also be used to treat cardiomyopathy. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Some other treatment options include lifestyle changes such as losing weight, moderate exercise, avoiding alcohol, and reducing salt intake. Your doctor will work with you in order to determine the best course of action for treatment including whether or not surgery will be necessary. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

5. Pericarditis
<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The two layers of thin tissue that are located around the heart is called the pericardium. When this section of the heart becomes irritated or inflamed it is called pericarditis<\/a>. This inflammation may cause a person to experience a sharp and stabbing pain in the middle or left side of the chest. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

When this inflammation occurs you may have pain in both or one of your shoulders. The symptoms of pericarditis can be very similar to the symptoms of having a heart attack. The underlying cause for the inflammation of the pericardium must be determined in order to determine what the proper treatment may be. In some cases, the pericarditis will be mild and will simply clear up on its own. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, in more severe cases medications or possibly surgery may be required. If you are suffering from any symptoms associated with pericarditis it is important to seek medical attention right away to rule out any heart-related issues. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

6. Panic Attack
<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Extreme stress <\/a>or an anxiety disorder can cause a person to have a panic attack. A panic attack may feel similar to having a heart attack. In fact, many people who suffer from panic attacks have many of the same symptoms that are associated with a heart attack. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Some of the symptoms of a panic attack include chest pain, shortness of breath, vertigo, numbness in the extremities, trembling, sweating, heart palpitations, and fainting. A panic attack may cause a person to experience chest pain because as they are breathing rapidly or hyperventilating, the muscles in the chest walls are spasming. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Pain caused by stress and anxiety may occur on one or both sides of the chest. Since the symptoms of a panic attack can mimic that of a heart attack, it is a good idea to seek medical care to rule out any issues related to the heart. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

7. Heartburn
<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Heartburn <\/a>will feel like there is a burning inside of your chest. This often occurs after bending over, eating, working out, or at times when you lie down at night. Acid reflux is typically the cause of this. Reflux occurs when your stomach acid flows up into the esophagus.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In addition to feeling pain inside of your chest, you may also have a burning feeling in your throat and may experience difficulty swallowing. Some people who have heartburn feel like there is food stuck in the middle of their chest or still lodged in their throat. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Indigestion refers to having an upset stomach feeling. Often times indigestion does not cause a person to have chest pain. However, there are times when a person may experience indigestion alongside heartburn. When this occurs a person may experience pain in their chest as well as an unexplained salty, sour, or acidic taste in the back of their mouth. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

8. Pleurisy
<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

When the membrane lining located on the inner side of the chest cavity becomes inflamed, it is called pleurisy<\/a>. The pleura line the area of the chest near the lungs. When these become inflamed it can cause pain on one or both sides of the chest when you are breathing. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

You may also experience pain in the back and shoulders with each breath that you take. The pain in the chest can become worse when you laugh, sneeze, or cough. If the pleurisy is caused by a lung infection the chest pain may be accompanied by a cough or fever. Many people who experience pleurisy experience shortness of breath as they try to minimize breathing in and out. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The chest pain that accompanies pleurisy can be quite severe. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms you need to make sure to see your doctor right away for a proper diagnosis. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

9. Impact<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s so easy to fear the worst when we get chest pain<\/a>, that we can end up overlooking some of the most obvious and straightforward explanations \u2013 many of which are nothing really to worry about.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In this case, we\u2019re talking about a simple impact. You might have bruised your chest or even caused a fracture in your rib cage and this could easily be what is causing the discomfort.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Take a moment to think about the activities you\u2019ve taken part in recently. Have you played any sports? Have you moved heavy furniture?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Even if you can\u2019t think of a cause for a chest injury, it\u2019s possible this could have happened during the night, or that it could be a stress fracture \u2013 which can sometimes be the result of a, particularly severe and persistent cough.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You can tell if the pain is caused by an injury by looking for some signs: does the chest hurt more when you use it or apply pressure? Is there any redness or bruising to speak of? Keep in mind though that the absence of bruising does not necessarily mean that this isn\u2019t a physical injury.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

10. Cramping Intercostal Muscles<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

When you think about cramping muscle, you probably think about your calves <\/a>or your quads. Rarely do we think about the muscles in our chest beyond our pecs, seeing as chest muscles aren\u2019t so obviously attached to a limb or used in any particular type of movement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But in fact, you actually have a lot of very tiny muscles all throughout your chest and in between your ribs. These are called the intercostal muscles, and they have the very important job of helping the rib cage to expand and contract. They help to protect the lungs and the heart, and they enable us to breathe properly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

And just like any other muscles, these can occasionally be prone to cramp, or to general discomfort and twinging. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

This can be alarming at first, but if you notice the pain is quite sharp and brief in nature, then it likely isn\u2019t a heart attack and cramping is much more likely! Of course, this is something that can occur on either side of the body too.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

11. Flu, Pneumonia<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Any condition that causes you to develop a chesty cough can result in chest pain. This happens for a number of reasons. For one, you will be constantly coughing and hacking, which can put a lot of strain on the area. Remember those intercostal muscles we just talked about? Well when you overwork them, they can become painful and show signs of fatigue<\/a> \u2013 just like any other muscle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

At the same time, your chest will likely build up a lot of additional mucus which can make it harder to breathe and which can irritate the sensitive nerves in the area. The result is that you can feel an all-over kind of discomfort in the chest, which can occasionally be more localized to one side.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

While it is hard, the solution in this case is to try and cough less.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

12. Panic Attack<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Panic attacks are not simply moments of anxiety<\/a>. In fact, they are extremely commonly mistaken for heart attacks, which is actually one of the reasons that they are so hard to overcome: it\u2019s difficult to remain calm when you think that you\u2019re having a heart attack!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This is true because a heart attack will cause the heart to beat extremely rapidly, as well as causing you to breathe more quickly and shallowly. This is triggered at least in part by the release of large amounts of excitatory neurotransmitters such as adrenaline, norepinephrine, cortisol, etc.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A common experience when having a panic attack is to wake up in the middle of the night with an overwhelming sense of dread and often with extremely rapid and painful palpitations. It might feel as though someone is sitting on your chest, and you might be sure you are having a heart attack.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The more you focus on the symptoms though, and the more you try to \u2018force\u2019 yourself to be calm, the more stressed and anxious you can become. This might eventually result in fainting! So instead, try to go about your usual business \u2013 safe in the knowledge that this is not a heart attack and you are not in any physical danger.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

13. Torn Muscle<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

A torn muscle is another possibility if you have a lot of pain on one side. This time it is possible that you have actually torn the pec, which can happen if you go to the gym regularly, or engage in a lot of sports. Again, this is more likely to be the cause if you notice that the pain is worst when you try to move the limb on that side. Likewise, try to think about things that you might have done that could have caused the damage in the first place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The best treatment <\/a>is usually \u2018RICE\u2019 (rest, ice, compression, elevation), though you can also try engaging in gentle rehabilitation exercises in order to encourage more rapid recovery.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

14. Anemia, Hypoxia<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Finally, anemia<\/a>, hypoxia, or any other condition where you aren\u2019t getting enough oxygen around your system can sometimes cause symptoms that feel a lot like pain in the chest \u2013 and this may or may not be felt more strongly on one side. This will often feel like a burning sensation, along with a sense of panic and potentially lethargy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

While these symptoms can occur for a number of reasons, they can also be a sign of an impending cardiac event \u2013 so it\u2019s worth getting them checked. Better to be safe than sorry!
<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\r\n

<\/div>