Left chest pain is often associated with a heart attack. However, this condition can also be caused by other health problems, such as indigestion, lung problems, or psychological conditions, such as panic attacks or anxiety.
Left chest pain caused by a heart attack requires immediate medical attention. However, if caused by other disorders, left chest pain generally does not require emergency help.
Therefore, it is important to know what are the causes of left chest pain and the accompanying symptoms so that treatment can be carried out quickly and appropriately.
Recognize the Causes and Symptoms of Left Chest Pain
There are several conditions or diseases that can cause left chest pain, including:
1. Heart attack
A heart attack occurs when blood flow to the heart muscle is suddenly blocked. If the left chest pain is caused by a heart attack, the chest will feel like it is being squeezed or squeezed. In addition, you may also feel other symptoms, such as:
- Pain that radiates from the chest to the left arm, jaw, neck, back, and abdomen
- Dizzy
- A cold sweat
- Hard to breathe
- Nausea or vomiting
- An overwhelming feeling of anxiety, almost akin to a panic attack
- Cough or wheezing
2. Angina
Angina is a condition caused by the narrowing of the arteries to the heart, so that blood flow does not flow normally.
There are several symptoms of angina that can be felt, including:
- Left chest pain that radiates to the left arm, neck, jaw, or back
- Hard to breathe
- Nauseous
- Pain in the chest or lower abdomen that resembles indigestion
- Body feels very tired
Chest pain due to angina usually occurs after physical activity that makes the heart work harder and can subside after the sufferer rests for a few minutes.
3. Digestive tract disorders
Digestive tract disorders that can cause left chest pain are gas buildup in the intestines and GERD (gastro-esophageal reflux disease).
The buildup of gas in the intestines can put pressure on the intestines, causing chest pain. This condition is usually accompanied by flatulence, frequent farts, and frequent burping.
Meanwhile, GERD can cause chest pain or a burning feeling in the chest. This condition can start behind the breastbone and spread to the neck and throat.
4. Lung problems
Lung infection can cause inflammation of the lungs (pneumonia) and inflammation of the membranes around the lungs (pneumonia).pleurisy). One of the symptoms that can occur is left chest pain that gets worse when you breathe and is accompanied by coughing or gasping for breath.
5. Stress
Left chest pain can not only be caused by physical disorders, but also mental disorders such as psychosomatic disorders and stress. Uncontrolled stress can cause a feeling of tightness in the chest.
This condition can be exacerbated by an unhealthy lifestyle, such as smoking and excessive consumption of alcoholic beverages. If not treated properly, this condition can lead to heart disease.
6. Injury
Injuries to the chest, such as pulled muscles, compressed nerves, fractured sternum or ribs, and bruising to the chest, can also cause left-sided chest pain. This type of injury can also cause pain when you take a deep breath or cough.
The Importance of Handling Left Chest Pain
Treatment for left chest pain varies depending on the cause. The most important thing is to recognize the symptoms that require immediate action, such as typical pain caused by a heart attack.
When you feel pain in your left chest, try lying down and take a few deep breaths and loosen your clothes. In addition, take painkillers to relieve the pain that appears.
However, immediately contact a doctor or medical officer if the left chest pain that appears feels like the following:
- Feels heavy, like being pressed or squeezed
- Spreads from chest to arms, back, neck and jaw
- Lasts more than 15 minutes
- Accompanied by nausea, vomiting blood, shortness of breath, and body sweating
Don't forget to regularly check your heart health, especially if you have a risk of coronary heart disease. This risk may increase if you smoke, are obese, and have high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or diabetes.
Do not underestimate this complaint, even though the cause is not necessarily a serious condition and may heal on its own. Check with your doctor to find out the cause of the left chest pain that you feel in order to anticipate a dangerous condition.