These may include wear and tear, overuse, injury, a pinched nerve, and certain health conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis or fibromyalgia. Depending on the cause,
The American Heart Association advise calling 911 if sudden left arm pain gets worse over a few minutes or occurs alongside any of the following symptoms: discomfort at the center of the chest that lasts longer than a few minutes or goes away and then returns.
Note the duration of pain
If the left arm pain lasts only for few seconds then it is unlikely that it is due to any heart ailment. If the pain persists for a long time (for days or even weeks), it is also unlikely that it has something to do with your heart.
Pain in the left arm that comes and goes is a possible sign of a heart attack. However, other conditions, such as an injury or a pinched nerve, can also cause this type of pain. If a person feels short of breath or has discomfort or pain in their chest or upper body, they should call 911 immediately.
Pain in the left arm without chest pain can result from various issues, including injuries and nerve damage. These issues may cause arm throbbing, swelling, or numbness alongside pain. Pinpointing the type of pain can help a doctor identify the cause. For example, it may be a dull ache or a sharper, stabbing pain.
In men, the left arm pain will move from the shoulder down the left arm or up to the chin. If the pain comes on suddenly and is unusually severe, or is accompanied by pressure or squeezing in the chest, seek emergency treatment immediately. In women, the pain can be subtler. It can radiate to the right or left arm.
“I understand that heart attacks have beginnings and on occasion, signs of an impending heart attack may include chest discomfort, shortness of breath, shoulder and/or arm pain and weakness. These may occur hours or weeks before the actual heart attack.
It can feel like uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, fullness or pain. Symptoms can include pain or discomfort in one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw or stomach.
Symptoms can be different for men and women
For men: Pain will spread to the left shoulder, down the left arm or up to the chin. For women: Pain can be much more subtle. It may travel to the left or right arm, up to the chin, shoulder blades and upper back — or to abdomen (as nausea and/or indigestion and anxiety).
Left arm Pain can develop for a variety of reasons, some more serious than others. And even though it's tempting to try at-home remedies to relieve the pain quickly, it's recommended to visit a dentist as soon as possible to make sure the source of the pain is not an inflammation or a disease.
Typical heart attack symptoms
This discomfort may come and go. Upper body pain. Pain or discomfort may spread beyond the chest to the shoulders, arms, back, neck, teeth or jaw. Some people have upper body pain with no chest discomfort.
Peripheral artery disease (PAD) — Atherosclerosis caused by high blood pressure can lead to narrowed arteries in the legs, arms, stomach and head, causing pain or fatigue.
Anxiety can cause pain in the left arm. If it is due to a panic attack or muscle tension, it is likely to be temporary, but people with anxiety disorders may also experience chronic pain. Anxiety is a treatable condition. A doctor might suggest therapy, medications, or stress management techniques to help.
Left Arm Pain and Anxiety
According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA), people with anxiety habitually experience chronic pain like muscle tension, body soreness, and headaches. For some, this pain can appear in the left arm.
Typically, however, if you're having a heart attack, the severe pain lasts for about 15-20 minutes and then can linger for some time after.
The most common cause of elbow and shoulder pain is tendinitis — an inflammation and injury to the tendons — that's caused by overuse.
Pre-Heart Attack Symptoms – Female
Men may feel pain and numbness in the left arm or the side of the chest. In women, these symptoms may appear on the right side. Women may experience unexplained exhaustion, or feel drained, dizzy or nauseous. Women may feel upper back pain that travels up into their jaw.
Signs of a heart attack include:
- Uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, fullness or pain in the center of the chest that comes on quickly and won't go away with rest. - Pain or discomfort in one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw or stomach. - Shortness of breath with or without chest discomfort.
This varies from patient to patient. In some, the pain can be continuous while for others, it might start and stop again. These symptoms can last for a couple of minutes or several hours.
Yes. A heart attack can actually happen without a person knowing it. You can understand why it is called a "silent" heart attack.
You may not even know you've had a silent heart attack until weeks or months after it happens. It's best to know what's normal for your body and get help when something doesn't feel right. Knowing the subtle signs of a silent heart attack can help you identify one.