Left arm pain: how to know if it is a heart attack?

Have you noticed a pain in your left arm? Undoubtedly, the first thought is of concern, because how do you know if it is a heart attack? Let’s see some issues to resolve doubts and, above all, not to worry prematurely.

Pain in left arm, discomfort radiating to the shoulder, may be of concern because it is one of the symptoms that can reveal the presence of a heart attack. It is not always the case, and this is important to note it, so if we noticed this discomfort in the arm, until the anxiety does not block, better go to the doctor to confirm or rule out the diagnosis. Often, this symptom is accompanied by a tingling sensation in hands. But, as noted, the pain in the left arm is not always related to the heart, and may, for example, be related to the neck. If discomfort persists, it is best to seek medical attention.

Heart attack symptoms

The symptoms of a stroke are often not unique. In fact, pain in the arm as the only annoyance is not enough to say that we are in this situation, but some symptoms should appear. That includes, first of all, a chest pain that, from the beginning, is intense, long-lasting. The person suffering heart attack feels a sense of oppression, including heaviness in the chest and sometimes a feeling of burning in the chest.

There may also be nausea and vomiting, difficulty in breathing and a feeling of unease. This is complemented with cold sweats and difficulty detecting the pulse in the wrist.

The pain may also radiate to other areas of the body, from the center of the chest to the neck and chin. It can even affect both arms and just one limb.

Pain in the neck

Pain in the left arm, as noted earlier, may also indicate a problem in the neck. In this case, although the pain does not stop doing everyday activities, does create a feeling of stiffness. Other symptoms may also be dizziness and nausea. In this case, it may be a problem in the spine.

Neuropathy

Sometimes the pain can be alleviated widespread and not even with the drugs. This may be accompanied by a loss of sensation in biceps, forearm, and elbow. This could be what is called neuropathy, an inflammation of the nerves from the neck to the arm. It is advisable to consult a doctor as the source of the problem may be in the roots of the spinal nerves.

As we have seen, shoulder pain can have different causes, so when in doubt it is best to consult the doctor, both to confirm the source of the problem and to apply the most appropriate treatment.