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21-05-2025 Team Medicover cardiology

Written by Medicover Team and Medically Reviewed by Dr Damodhar Reddy Gouni

Chest Pain on The Left Side

Chest pain should never be ignored. Pain on the left side of the chest, especially when taking a deep breath, may indicate a serious condition such as a heart attack, a lung problem or inflammation around the heart lining. It can also be caused by less serious issues like digestive issues or stress.

In this article, we will learn about the causes, symptoms, risks & complications, treatments and some home remedies that can help ease chest pain on the left side.

What are The Symptoms Of Pain On The Left Side Of The Chest?

Pain on the left side of the chest can feel different depending on its cause. Some types of pain are harmless, while others can be serious. Understanding the accompanying symptoms can help you identify when to seek medical help.

Here are the common signs and symptoms that can occur with left-sided chest pain:

Sharp or stabbing pain
Pressure or tightness
Burning sensation
Pain that worsens with movement or breathing
Radiating pain
Shortness of breath
Nausea or dizziness
Palpitations or irregular heartbeat
Cold sweat.

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Causes of Left Side Chest Pain

Heart problems, lung diseases, bone and muscle problems or stomach problems can cause left-sided chest pain. The underlying cause, which must be thoroughly investigated, determines the symptoms and nature of chest pain.

Heart-Related Causes of Pain on the Left Side of the Chest

A heart attack happens when there's not enough blood flowing to the heart, which harms heart cells. It causes severe chest pain.
Angina is chest pain caused by clogged arteries, which also reduces blood flow to the heart. It's like a heart attack but doesn't cause permanent damage, though it signals a higher risk of one.
Pericarditis is an inflammation of the membrane around the heart, which can be acute or chronic. It causes sharp, stabbing chest pain on the left side.
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is characterised by abnormal thickening of the heart muscle. It causes left-sided chest pain.
Mitral valve prolapse is an abnormal closure of a heart valve that causes chest pain and palpitations.

Lung issues and left-side chest Pain

Asthma, a type of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), can cause chest pain as well as wheezing, coughing, and difficulty breathing.
Deep aching chest pain, fever, chills and expectoration can all be symptoms of chest infections, lung abscesses, and pneumonia.
Pleurisy is an inflammation of the pleura (the lining of the lungs) that can cause sharp chest pain when coughing or breathing.
A pulmonary embolism or a blood clot lodged in the lungs, can cause left-sided chest pain and shortness of breath.
Chest pain can be caused by pulmonary hypertension or high blood pressure in the lung artery.
Myocarditis, characterised by swelling of the heart muscle, can cause left-sided chest pain and difficulty breathing.
Coronary artery dissection, which occurs when the artery leading to the heart ruptures, can cause severe chest pain that extends to the back, neck and abdomen.

Digestive Issues Cause Pain In The Left Side Of The Chest

Bloating and indigestion
Gallbladder diseases
Inflammation of the inner mucosa
Gastric and peptic ulcers
Pancreas disorders

Musculoskeletal issues and Left Side Chest Pain

Bone and muscle injuries
Left-sided muscular spasms
Rib fractures on the left side
Nerve injuries
Muscle strain
Nerve compression

Other Medical Conditions

Shingles: Viral infection affecting the nerve course on the left side, leading to chest pain
Stress: Increased stress can cause chest tightness
Panic Attacks: Can mimic heart problems and cause chest pain, requiring proper evaluation

When is Left-Side Chest Pain Serious?

Not all chest pains are serious. Knowing the warning signs of a heart attack is important to distinguish between pain due to other reasons and pain as a sign of a heart attack:

Tightness in the chest
Pain in the left chest that radiates to the left arm, neck or jaw
Breathing difficulties, shortness of breath and sweating
A sensation of uneasiness, nausea or dizziness.

If you get sudden, severe pain on the left side of the chest along with these symptoms, please see a doctor immediately. Also, if the pain occurs during physical activity, persists or is accompanied by fever or cough, donâ€™t delay consulting a doctor. Never ignore chest pain; early medical attention can save your life.

Diagnosis of Left-Side Chest Pain

There are numerous possible causes of left-sided chest pain. A doctor will consider a person's medical history and symptoms when making a diagnosis.

A physical examination of the chest, heart, lungs, neck and abdomen may also be performed. Following the physical examination, a doctor may order a number of tests, including:

An electrocardiogram
A radiograph
A full blood count (CBC)
A pulmonary angiography using computed tomography (CTPA)
An ultrasonic

How to treat left-side chest pain?

Treatment for left-sided chest pain is dependent on its cause. Medications are given to control the condition and help with pain relief.
A variety of factors can cause Pain in the left side of the chest. Based on symptoms, history and clinical examination, appropriate investigations should be performed.
Depending on the underlying cause, medication may be used in treatment.

Maintain Healthy Lifestyle Habits

Maintaining a healthy weight
Eating a balanced diet
Drinking plenty of water
Engaging in regular, moderate exercise
Being physically active
Implementing stress management techniques
Seeking medical treatment for high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes and obesity

Home Remedies for Pain in the Left Side of the Chest

For mild or non-cardiac chest pain like gas, acid reflux or muscle tension, here are some home remedies that can offer relief:

Warm compress: Applying a warm compress or heating pad on the left side of the chest can relax muscles and relieve pain from strain or tension.
Ginger tea: Ginger has anti-inflammatory and digestive benefits. A cup of ginger tea may soothe gas-related chest discomfort.
Deep breathing and relaxation: Stress and anxiety can cause chest tightness. Practising slow, deep breathing or meditation can ease tension-related pain.
Turmeric milk: Turmeric contains curcumin, known for its anti-inflammatory effects. Warm turmeric milk may help reduce internal inflammation and pain.
Antacids: If the chest pain is due to acid reflux or heartburn, an antacid may help neutralise stomach acid and relieve discomfort.
Stay upright after meals: Avoid lying down right after eating, as this can trigger acid reflux, leading to chest pain.
Light physical activity or walking: If the pain is caused by trapped gas, gentle movements like walking may help relieve pressure in the chest area.
Avoid spicy and fatty foods: These can worsen acid reflux, a common cause of chest pain unrelated to the heart.

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Conclusion

Left-sided chest pain should never be taken lightly. Sometimes, it may be due to simple causes like gas, acidity or muscle strain, but it can be a warning for serious health problems like a heart attack, angina or lung problems.

If the chest pain on the left side is sudden, severe or does not subside, it is best to consult a doctor immediately. Early check-up and treatment can make a big difference. Donâ€™t ignore the signs that show that your health is most important.

Frequently Asked Questions

Left-side chest pain can be caused by muscle strain, heart issues, acid reflux, anxiety, or lung problems. It's important to identify the cause, especially if pain is severe or sudden.

Yes, gas or indigestion can cause sharp chest pain, often mistaken for heart pain. It usually feels like pressure or bloating and may ease after burping or passing gas.

Heavy lifting, intense workouts, poor posture, or sudden twisting can strain chest muscles and trigger pain. Anxiety or panic attacks can also cause chest discomfort.

Spicy foods, caffeine, alcohol, carbonated drinks, and fatty meals can worsen acid reflux, leading to chest pain. Eating large or late meals may also increase symptoms.

Not always. It can be harmless, like from gas or strain, but it could also signal serious issues like a heart problem. It's safest to get evaluated if pain is intense or lasts long.

Yes, kids can feel left chest pain from muscle strain, anxiety, or even growing pains. Though rarely heart-related, any sudden or ongoing pain should be checked by a doctor.

Stop the activity immediately. It could be muscle strain, poor breathing, or something more serious like a heart condition. If pain persists or is intense, seek medical help right away.

Mild chest pain from muscle strain or gas may improve with rest, warm compresses, gentle stretching, and avoiding heavy meals. Ginger tea or turmeric milk may also help reduce inflammation naturally.

Treatment depends on the cause. For mild, non-cardiac pain, rest, hydration, antacids, and posture correction may help. Persistent or severe pain requires medical evaluation for proper diagnosis and care.

Ignoring chest pain may lead to serious complications like heart attack, lung collapse, or blood clots. Delayed treatment increases the risk of permanent damage or death, especially if the cause is cardiac or pulmonary.