Whenever someone suffers from chest pain left side they become very nervous and start thinking that they may have suffered a heart attack or something serious. Such fears may be unfounded and there could be several other reasons and factors which could be the cause for such pain on the left side of the chest. It would therefore be very useful to have a reasonably good idea about the various reasons which could be the cause for chest pain left side.
For all you know, the chest pain left side could be due to a fractured rib or a bruised rib. It could also be due to various other reasons, a few of which are being discussed hereunder. Acid reflux is one of the most common reasons for chest pain on the left side. Usually, these type of pains subside either by taking an antacid medicine or a dose of Zantac. Nerves which originate from the spinal cord and when some such smaller nerves are pinched it could cause a sharp and stinging chest pain left side. Strains and sprains to the various muscles which hold the rib-cage and breast bone together could also be causes of intermittent mild to severe chest pains on the left side. Digestive disorders which lead to ulcers have often been found to be a major reason for chest pains especially on the left hand side.
However there could be situations where chest pain left side could be because of more dangerous reasons. Especially if you have chest pains on the left hand side accompanied by rapid heart beats, intense sweating and a pain that is intense and sharp could be because of mild to moderate heart attacks. In such cases of chest pain left side, it is very important to refer the patient to the doctor immediately and put him or her on a life saving mode.
Essence of Analysing Chest Pain Left Side
However, there may be instances where chest pain left side could be due to more dangerous reasons. This is especially true if you have chest pains on the left hand side combined with quick heart beats, extreme sweating and a pain that is powerful and sharp that could be because of gentle to moderate heart attacks. In such condition of chest pain left side, it is very crucial to submit the patient to a physician immediately and put him on a life saving method.
Chest pain left side caused by too much physical action or stress is known as angina, which is another critical type of chest pain. When this pain occurs during resting, it is considered a warning signal for a more serious matter. Likewise, pain in the left side of the chest could also mean minor issues such as heartburn and acidity.
Let us fully discuss chest pain left side as a signal for a heart attack. It often arises in the middle to the left side of the chest and can extend up to the left shoulder, the jaw, the left arm, the back, or stomach. It could be accompanied by other signs such as nausea, dizziness, vomiting, breathlessness, excessive sweating, and more.
Coronary artery disease manifested primarily by angina, a critical form of chest pain in the left side is usually described as a feeling of constriction or choking pain, tightness and pressure in the left side of the chest or at the back of the breastbone. This condition means that the heart needs more oxygen while ischemia is manifested by inadequate blood supply that also causes chest pains.
It is common for people to confuse strong chest pain left side with heart attack related pain in the chest. In common cases, heart attacks are not described by localized pain in the chest. In general, left chest pain can be caused by problems associated with the lungs, muscles, oesophagus, chest wall, tendons, nerves, and ribs.
Chest Pain Left Side Treatments
As you have learned, there could be many reasons for having chest pain left side and there are also many ways of treating them. If you suspect that the pain is because of a heart attack, go the closest hospital emergency department or call 911 at once for emergency services. In the meantime, chew two pieces of baby aspirin or at least one hundred sixty milligrams of it. Chewing an aspirin at the onset of a heart attack may lessen the risk of death and the severity of the attack. Remember that it is crucial to chew the aspirin before it is swallowed in order to decrease the time the aspirin takes an effect.
Treatments for a heart attack are targeted at increasing the flow of blood by opening arteries narrowed or blocked by a blood clot. Medicines such as heparin, aspirin, and clot-busting drugs can provide the opening of arteries. However, if medical treatment is ineffective, surgery that includes cardiac bypass or angioplasty may be required.
For chest pain left side due to angina, place one tablet of nitroglycerin under your tongue. This may help in increasing your blood flow to narrowed or blocked arteries. If in the next five minutes your chest pain continues, place another tablet under your tongue. If you still do not have relief of your chest pain after taking three tablets, call 911 immediately or go the hospital emergency department nearest you.
When admitted to the hospital, you will be given nitroglycerin through an IV and you will be monitored to rule out that you are not having a heart attack. The long-term treatment of angina after its first episode will focus on reducing risk factors for heart disease and atherosclerosis.
If your chest pain left side is from acid reflux, oesophageal spasm, or esophagitis, taking antacids may relieve the pain. Taking antiviral, antibiotic, or anti-fungal medication that relaxes the muscles of the oesophagus or a combination of these medicines will also help ease the pain. If your pain goes away after taking the antacid, you should not assume that you are not having a heart attack. You still need to go to a hospital and be evaluated.
Chest pain left side presumed to be caused by pulmonary embolism; you need to be admitted to the hospital for treatment that may include medication to avoid additional clotting of blood and supplemental oxygen. Treatment for this type of condition may also include surgery to put in a blood vessel an umbrella-like filter to prevent the blood clots from moving to the lungs.
No matter what causes your chest pain left side, it is important that you have a regular check-up with your doctor. This will help you maintain your health and prevent your condition from becoming worse.