Left chest pain often brings concerns about a potential heart attack, but not every instance of pain on the left side of the chest is related to heart issues. This pain can result from various other conditions, including respiratory problems or injuries to muscles and bones. Knowing the possible causes can help you identify initial treatment options to ease the symptoms.

Causes of Left Chest Pain

Many people quickly assume that left chest pain signals a heart attack. While chest pain on the left side can be a symptom of heart trouble, it may also point to other health conditions, such as respiratory, digestive, musculoskeletal issues, or even panic attacks.

The nature of this chest pain can vary, presenting as a sharp or pressing sensation, often accompanied by shortness of breath, nausea, or additional symptoms. Here are several causes of left chest pain:

Heart and Blood Vessel Issues

Left chest pain due to heart issues arises from disrupted blood flow in and out of the heart. Several heart conditions that can cause chest pain include:

• Heart attack: This occurs when blood flow to the heart is blocked, often causing broad and deep chest pain.
• Coronary artery disease: Narrowing of blood vessels from cholesterol buildup can cause heavy, pressing chest pain.
• Pericarditis: Inflammation or infection of the heart lining (pericardium), causing sharp chest pain that may spread to the left shoulder and arm and worsen when lying down or breathing deeply.

Respiratory Disorders

• Pulmonary embolism: A blood clot lodged in lung vessels can result in sharp chest pain that intensifies with breathing.
• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD): This lung condition affects air sacs and airway linings, leading to chest tightness and shortness of breath.
• Pleurisy: Inflammation around the lungs causes sharp pain that worsens with coughing or deep breathing, sometimes radiating to the shoulders.
• Asthma: Narrowed airways can cause chest tightness, pain, coughing, or wheezing.

Digestive Disorders

• Gastritis: Inflammation of the stomach lining can trigger left chest pain, possibly accompanied by nausea and vomiting.
• Pancreatitis: Inflammation of the pancreas results in severe pain in the upper abdomen, often with nausea and vomiting.
• GERD: Acid reflux can cause pain in the upper abdomen, sometimes extending to the chest. 

Panic Disorder

Chest pain from panic attacks or anxiety often appears as sudden, sharp pain, even when at rest.

Sometimes, stress or anxiety may precede the pain. Panic-induced chest pain can also be accompanied by symptoms like shaking, shortness of breath, dizziness, and rapid heartbeat.

Bone and Muscle Disorders

Injuries such as fractured ribs or sprained chest muscles can also lead to left chest pain. These injuries often cause localized pain, swelling, and bruising.

When Should You See a Doctor?

While not all chest pain is due to heart disease, you should seek emergency treatment if the pain could indicate a heart attack. Immediate medical attention is necessary if you experience:

• Shortness of breath or intense chest pressure
• Pain radiating to the left or right arm
• Sharp pain in the neck, jaw, back, or abdomen
• Symptoms resembling heartburn, nausea, or vomiting
• Dizziness

Many conditions may cause left chest pain. If you have concerns about chest pain or other health issues, consider consulting a doctor or using the Ai Care consultation feature available on the App Store or Play Store.

Want to know more about other health conditions? Click here!