The left chest pain is often associated with the threat of a life-threatening heart attack. But the allegations are not always true. Therefore, the pain can be caused by other disorders. If, the pain in the left chest due to heart attack, the sufferer needs medical help as soon as possible. However, if caused by other disorders, it could be the sufferer does not require emergency help.
So, it is important to know what the cause of left chest pain, and what are the symptoms that accompany it. This knowledge is important so that the sufferer can get the right treatment. Let's identify the causes and symptoms of this kind of pain.
Here are some disorders that can cause left chest pain:
Heart Attack
Heart attacks occur when blood flow to the heart muscle is suddenly inhibited. The sufferer will feel the chest as depressed, kneaded, and pains appear in the chest cavity. Not infrequently accompanied by a sense of burning. In addition, there may also be pain such as stabbing or numbness in the left arm. Numbness conditions that can spread to the right arm. The arms may feel weaker or heavier than usual. When a heart attack will appear, there may be symptoms of shortness of breath, excessive fatigue and headaches. Other symptoms that can occur is the body issued a cold sweat and red face. Nevertheless, the symptoms that appear can be different for each person.
Angina
This condition is caused by the narrowing of arteries to the heart, so that blood flow does not flow normally. The symptoms are felt chest tightness or sharp pain like muscle cramps on the left chest. Usually occurs after physical activity that makes the heart work harder.
Intestinal Disorders
When a lot of gas is formed in the intestine and the body has not released everything, the gas becomes accumulate and push the intestine so that it can arise chest pain. This condition is usually accompanied by symptoms of stomach feeling bloated and often burping. Another gastrointestinal disorder is gastro-esophageal reflux disease (GERD), in which there is a return flow from the contents of the stomach to the esophagus. Stomach acid disorders can damage the esophagus and cause heartburn.
Problems with the Lungs
Pulmonary infections can cause lung inflammation (pneumonia) and membranes around the lungs (pleuritis). One of the symptoms that can occur is a chest pain on the left that is increasingly felt when breathing and accompanied by a cough or panting breath.
Stress
Not only physical disorders, stress can also cause chest pain to the left. Uncontrolled stress can cause a sense of tightness, immediately find out how to cope with stress. This condition can be exacerbated by an unhealthy lifestyle, such as smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, obesity, or diabetes. If this condition is not handled properly, it can lead to heart disease.
Injury
Physical injury to the chest, such as stretched muscles or depressed nerves, can cause chest pain to the left. Pain due to depressed nerves can also cause numbness to the arms that are often mistaken for heart attacks.
The Importance of Proper Handling
Treatment of left chest pain varies depending on the cause. Most importantly, identify the symptoms that require immediate action, such as typical pain caused by a heart attack. When the patient feels chest pain, try to lie down and take a few short breaths. Drinking water can help to calm down. Pain relief medication may also help relieve pain. However, seek medical help immediately if the chest pain is severe, such as depressed and kneaded, or spread from the chest to the arms, back, and jaw. This risk can arise if someone smokes, is obese, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or diabetes.