The left arm and the heart share some nerve pathways to the brain. Therefore, some heart problems can cause left arm pain, according to Insider (US).
Left arm pain is often due to injury but can also be a sign of heart trouble.
Cases of left arm pain should be noted.
Arm pain with angina
Angina is a type of chest pain that often occurs due to exertion or stress. It is the result of the heart lacking oxygen due to reduced blood flow. The pain will appear in the chest, sometimes spreading to the left arm. Angina usually lasts only a few minutes, is not a heart attack but can increase the risk of a heart attack.
Angina is described as a sudden, crushing pain in the chest or a dull ache in the center of the chest. The pain may radiate to the left arm, shoulder, neck, or jaw, but usually does not affect the wrist or hand. Symptoms include nausea, abdominal pain, sweating, and shortness of breath.
Angina is often caused by coronary artery disease. Health problems such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes increase the risk of angina. Changing to a healthier diet, exercising regularly, and taking medication can help prevent and reduce the severity of angina attacks.
Arm pain with chest pain for more than 10 minutes
A heart attack, also known as a myocardial infarction, is a medical emergency. It causes severe loss of blood flow to the heart, which can lead to permanent heart damage or even death.
Similar to angina, a heart attack can also affect the left arm. While angina lasts only a few minutes and is relieved by rest, a heart attack can last for 10 minutes or more. People with a heart attack may also experience symptoms such as nausea, discomfort in the upper abdomen, anxiety, palpitations, sweating, dizziness, and shortness of breath.
A heart attack is a medical emergency and should be treated as soon as possible. If you suspect you are having a heart attack, you should contact a family member to take you to the hospital immediately.
Rotator cuff injury
The rotator cuff is a complex structure made up of many tendons and muscles in the shoulder joint. Rotator cuff injuries are quite common and can occur in both the left and right arm.
The risk of injury increases with age. Statistics show that about 15-30% of rotator cuff injuries occur in people 60 years of age and older. The main symptoms of injury include arm pain, weakness, stiffness in the shoulder and arm, and pain that increases at night.
When suffering from a rotator cuff injury, the patient should see a doctor as soon as possible for treatment and to avoid the risk of further injury. Depending on the severity, the doctor will recommend rest, medication, physical therapy or surgery.
Pinched nerve
Compression of the nerves in the neck can cause pain that radiates down the arm. This condition is called radiculopathy and can occur in either the right or left arm. It can be caused by trauma or degeneration of the spine.
Depending on which spinal nerve is compressed, it can cause a sharp, burning pain in some part of the arm. The pain can be constant or intermittent, accompanied by weakness, numbness, and tingling. Treatments for radiculopathy usually include rest, physical therapy, steroids, or surgery, according to Insider .
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