Pain on the left side of the chest can be concerning because it is often associated with heart problems, but there are many potential causes. Some are mild, while others require immediate medical attention. Below are the major causes of left-sided chest pain:......➡️CONTINUE READING THE FULL ARTICLES HERE.
1. Heart-Related Causes
Angina: This occurs when the heart muscle doesn’t receive enough oxygen-rich blood due to blocked arteries, causing chest pain, especially during exertion.
Heart Attack: A blockage in the coronary artery can cause severe, crushing pain, often radiating to the left arm, jaw, or back, along with shortness of breath, nausea, and sweating.
Pericarditis: Inflammation of the pericardium (the lining around the heart) can cause sharp chest pain that worsens when lying down.
2. Digestive Causes
Acid Reflux (GERD): Stomach acid moving into the esophagus can cause burning chest pain, often mistaken for heart pain.
Gas or Bloating: Trapped gas in the intestines can sometimes cause left-sided chest discomfort.
3. Musculoskeletal Causes
Muscle Strain: Overuse or injury of chest muscles can cause pain, especially after exercise.
Rib Injury: A fractured or bruised rib can lead to localized pain when breathing or moving.
4. Lung-Related Causes
Pneumonia: Infection in the lungs can cause sharp pain, fever, and difficulty breathing.
Pleurisy: Inflammation of the lung lining leads to sharp pain that worsens with deep breathing.
5. Anxiety and Panic Attacks
Panic attacks can mimic a heart attack, causing chest tightness, rapid heartbeat, dizziness, and sweating.
When to Seek Medical Help?
Severe, crushing pain
Pain radiating to the left arm, jaw, or back
Shortness of breath or dizziness
Chest pain lasting more than a few minutes
While some causes are harmless, chest pain should never be ignored, and it’s always best to seek medical advice for proper diagnosis and treatment