Rowan Rey Sutherland 
If you or your family members experience left chest pain, you should never ignore the symptom. If you or someone with you has the symptom of chest pain on the left side, it could be a heart attack or other medical conditions. Other medical conditions that may cause left-sided chest pain are lung problems, or inflammation of the lining around the heart.
When to seek emergency help?
Call 911 or your local emergency services if you suspect you or someone with you is having left-sided chest pain or central chest pain along with:
- The onset of the pain is rapid over a few minutes
- The pain is constricting or heavy type
- The pain radiates to the arms, neck, jaw, shoulders, and sometimes the upper part of your abdomen
- Shortness of breath
- Excessive sweating
- A feeling of impending death
- Nausea
- Vomiting
There are a few indications that the chest pain you are experiencing may not be a heart attack. It depends on
- Location of pain: If the pain is only at one particular site, is it not likely to be a heart attack.
- Worsening of pain: Chest pain due to heart attack usually does not get worse when breathing
- Radiation of pain: Chest pain due to a heart attack may radiate to the arms, neck, jaw, and sometimes the abdomen. The pain will not move from one side to another.
What are the other causes of left-sided chest pain that are associated with shortness of breath?
- Pneumothorax
A pneumothorax is when there is a collection of air in the pleural cavity. The pleural cavity is a space between the linings of the lung. The symptoms of pneumothorax area
- Shortness of breath
- Sudden and sharp chest pain
- Easily fatigued
- The pain is increased when you breathe deeply or cough
- Increased heart rate
- Your chest feels tight
If the pneumothorax is large, insertion of a chest tube is required to re-inflate the lung and keep the lung open while it heals.
- Pleurisy
A condition when the linings around the lungs become inflamed is called pleurisy. It may cause chest pain and other symptoms such as:
- Dry cough
- Shortness of breath
- Shoulder pain
Numerous conditions may lead to pleurisies such as flu, or bacterial infections.
- Pericarditis
Pericarditis is a medical condition where the lining around the heart is inflamed. The layers usually glide against each other while the heartbeats. When it becomes inflamed, it will cause a person to experience left-sided chest pain. Other symptoms that may suggest pericarditis are:
- Shortness of breath
- Chest pain that worsens what taking a deep breath
- Coughing
- Low-grade fever
- Heart palpitations or increased heart rate
Usually, a person may experience pericarditis after an episode of illness such as upper respiratory infection.
- Pneumonia
If you or your family members have pneumonia, you may experience sharp or stabbing chest pain that worsens when you take a deep breath or cough. This medical condition usually happens when you have recently had a respiratory illness like bronchitis or influenza. Other symptoms include:
- Shortness of breath
- Cough, sometimes with phlegm
- Fever, chills
- Loss of appetite
- Fatigue
Pay a visit to a local clinic if you think you have pneumonia. Your doctor may prescribe medications or admit you to the ward if necessary.
- Panic attack
A panic attack can come suddenly and peak in 10 minutes. The chest pain in a panic attack can be confused with a heart attack. Other than chest pain, the symptoms of a panic attack are
- Shortness of breath
- Rapid heartbeat
- Dizziness
- Sweating, hot flashes
- Nausea
- Feeling like you might choke
- Intense fear
- Trauma or pulled muscles
Pulled, strained, or sprained muscles in the chest or between the ribs may also cause chest pain. Injuries or trauma to your chest can also cause chest pain. The followings are causes of chest pain:
- Chest wall bruising
- Fractured sternum
- Fractured ribs
These injuries may cause worsening pain during breathing and coughing. If you suspect a broken bone, go to a local clinic or emergency department immediately.
Various conditions are associated with left-sided chest pain and shortness of breath. Visit a doctor so that the doctor can figure out the cause of your symptoms. Sudden chest pain and shortness of breath accompanied by other symptoms like excessive sweating, pressure on your chest, and dizziness could be symptoms of a medical emergency. Call 911 or emergency services immediately.
