Pain in Left Side of Chest

Experiencing pain anywhere around the chest region can be a cause of concern. But experiencing pain in left side of chest is sure to make anyone panic, since the heart is located on the left side. Chest pain starts as a discomfort from the front of the body in the region between the neck and the upper abdomen, below the breast bone (or sternum).

Chest pain can range from mild to severe. Mild or a dull ache may go away after sometime, but in case of severe pain in the left side of chest, it can radiate to the back and the arm. This case must be reported immediately to a doctor to avoid further complications. But most of the time, chest pain may not be an indication of a heart attack, it can also mean other disorders. Whatever be the reason for chest pain, this is one health condition that must never be ignored.

Causes of Left-Sided Chest Pain

Pain in the chest can be sourced from organs in the thoracic region like the heart, lungs and esophagus. The muscles, nerves, tendons and ribs may also be a source of chest pain. There can be several reasons why an individual experiences pain in lower left side of the chest. Given below are some of the causative factors that may lead to chest pain, particularly in the left side.

• One of the most common causes of chest pain is acidity or heartburn. The gas from the stomach and intestines builds up and applies pressure on the diaphragm, which results in the tightening of the chest walls. This can also cause an obstruction in breathing and lead to chest pain.
• Angina, which is a heart disorder caused due to lack of blood supply to the heart muscles, is also a cause for sharp pain in the chest region. Angina is caused when the arteries supplying oxygen rich blood to the heart muscles get blocked due to the presence of plaque. Since the heart muscles are deprived of blood, they tend to malfunction and are unable to pump blood. This condition is known as cardiac ischemia, which is painful. The individuals suffering from this disorder may often complain of tightness and sharp pain under the breast.
• Heart attacks, which are known as myocardial infarction in medical terminology, can occur when the blood supply is obstructed due to ruptures or blockages in the coronary artery. The first sign of a heart attack is experiencing squeezing chest pain in the left side, which may radiate to the arm. Sometimes the pain may be so severe that it radiates till the shoulder and neck, leaving a feeling of numbness in that particular region.
• Inflammation of the pericardial sac, which results in pericarditis can cause sharp pain in the chest. This heart disease is mainly caused due to an infection in the tissues and muscles of the heart.
• Problems in the lungs like pulmonary embolism (blood clot in lungs), inflammation in the inner lining of the lungs (or pleurisy), and a collapsed lung, which is also called pneumothorax are a few other causative factors for chest pain. This pain can be aggravated while taking a deep breath, or while coughing.
• Other reasons why pain in either side of the chest occurs are asthma, pneumonia, bruised or broken ribs, strain in the muscles and tendons attaching the ribs etc. Some digestive problems like gastritis and gastroesophageal reflux disease also cause chest pain.

Though pain in left side of chest may not always be an indication of a heart attack, it can also mean the presence of some other disorders, which may be life-threatening. So why take a risk? Consult a doctor if you experience pain anywhere around your thoracic region. Take care!