Chest pain is not a common thing. This is the reason why whenever someone feels pain on the left side of the chest, he considers it a symptom of a heart attack. But pain on the left side of the chest is not just a symptom of a heart attack, apart from this there are many other reasons due to which pain can occur on the left side of the chest.
Let's know in detail from Dr. Naveen Chandra, Consultant Interventional Cardiologist, Manipal Hospital Varthur Road, why does chest pain on the left side? What are the causes of left side chest pain (sign me pain on the left side) and chest pain on the left side?
What causes chest pain on the left side?
1). Angina
Angina is not a disease in itself, but is usually a symptom of a heart problem such as coronary heart disease. Angina causes chest pain and discomfort because the heart muscle does not get enough oxygen from the blood. You may also have pain in your arms, shoulders, neck, back or jaw. Angina can cause pain in the left side of the chest.
2). Heart attack
The main cause of pain in the left side of the chest can be a heart attack. When the heart muscle is damaged, it does not get enough oxygenated blood. In such a situation, a person may experience pain in the middle and left side of the chest. Apart from this, dizziness, stomach pain, vomiting, difficulty in breathing can also be symptoms of a heart attack.
3). Esophageal reflux and spasms
Esophageal reflux can cause chest pain. Eating spicy food can cause this problem. This problem is related to the symptoms of gastritis. In this, pain is felt on the left side of the chest.
- myocarditis
Pain in the left side of the chest can also be caused by myocarditis. In this problem, the heart muscle becomes inflamed. Shortness of breath, abnormal heartbeat and fatigue can also be symptoms of myocarditis. This problem can weaken your heart and damage the heart muscle.
5). Cardiomyopathy
Cardiomyopathy is a disease of the heart muscle or an enlarged heart. It is possible to have cardiomyopathy without any symptoms, but it can also cause chest pain. Shortness of breath, dizziness, palpitations and abdominal swelling can be other symptoms of cardiomyopathy. During this time, you need to make changes in your lifestyle.
6). Pericarditis
The pericardium is two thin layers of tissue that surround the heart. When this area gets inflamed, there is severe pain in the left side or the center of the chest. You may also experience pain in both shoulders during this time.
7). Panic attacks
Along with heart attack, panic attacks can also cause pain in the left side of the chest. Panic attacks come on suddenly. Chest pain, shortness of breath, tremors, dizziness and nausea are also symptoms of panic attacks.
8). Acid reflux
Chest pain and discomfort can occur when digestive acid flows into the esophagus (acid reflux). Acid reflux can cause pain in the left side of the chest. Belching, pain in the upper abdomen, burning sensation in the chest are also symptoms of acid reflux. Sleeping immediately after eating a meal aggravates this problem.
9). Lung cancer
Chest pain can sometimes be a symptom of lung cancer. Severe cough, coughing up blood or blood, shoulder or back pain, and difficulty breathing are also symptoms of lung cancer. Do not ignore these symptoms at all.