There are also some similar reasons for physical pain. The reason for the pain in different parts of the body may be other reasons as if stomach ache starts due to overeating, or there may be headaches due to lack of sleep, joint pain is common with growing age, people also do treatment for it according to their own.
But what do we do if there is chest pain; especially on the left side? Left chest pain indicates heart disease. It is mandatory to treat it on time. But for this, we are not taking certain preclusions. Sometimes, we named it acidity, and occasionally pondered on infection, we have ignored chest pain for many reasons, but the major is the lack of correct and adequate information. Therefore, prevention can be possible only by having accurate information.
But first, we should know its causes and types.
Angina
There is not much difference between angina and other types of chest pain as it is clear from its characteristics. Angina-type chest pain occurs when there is insufficient or reduced blood flow to our heart muscles. Heart muscles need oxygen, found in the blood due to lack of proper flow of blood, we feel pressure or a squeezing pain in our chest. We talk about its other symptoms, chest pain is ordinary; some other indications include:
- Shortness of breath
- Fatigue
- Nausea
- Dizziness
- Sweating
- Discomfort (pressure, squeezing, burning, or fullness)
It would be wrong to say that this is incurable. Some ways to get rid of this are as follows:
Self-Care
- Physical exercise
- Weight loss
- Quitting smoking
Medical Procedure
- Coronary stent
- Cardiac catheterization
- Revascularization
- Coronary angioplasty
- Angioplasty
Therapies
- Cardiac rehabilitation
Surgery
- Coronary artery bypasses surgery
- Hybrid coronary revascularization
Heart Attack
The heart is the dominant organ of our body or rather that network of blood vessels that pump blood throughout the body. Cleveland Clinic has even described its importance as a house with walls, doors, room, plumping, and an electronic system. The heart works to keep blood flow and provides essential nutrients to other organs. From this, we can assume the significance of the heart. Now the pain arising in the heart becomes painful, heart attack is also a matter of concern. Pain in the left side of the chest is a silent heart attack.
The level of oxygen in the blood begins to reduce due to carbon monoxide as a result, lungs are unable to function, and the heart gets un-oxygenated blood. Frequently, a Heart attack is inherited, there can be other reasons too like eating more spicy or fried food, junk food, busy lifestyles, high blood pressure, stress, weight gain also increases the load on the heart, excessive use of smoking, and drugs.
Chest pain, feeling restless, and dizziness, these symptoms are in both men and women. Moreover, other signs are different in men or women like a woman also have pain in the upper part of the body as;
- Back
- Shoulder
- Neck
- Teeth
- Gums
Whereas men have pain like;
- Joints
- Legs (due to lack of blood
- Upper part of the back
- Stomach pain
Whenever we feel such changes in our body, then we should contact the doctor because these are the initial symptoms of a heart attack.
Myocarditis
For a healthy body, the heart must work continuously. Sometimes the heart's muscles become infected & there is a problem of inflammation in it known as myocarditis. According to senior cardiologist Dr. R.K. Yadav District hospital of Gonda 'this problem occurs after a reaction to a virus called cardiotropic." It is harmful to the muscles in the middle of the heart. It affects a few people.
Chest pain and swelling in extremities are common symptoms.
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
- Malaise
- Abnormal heart rhythm (murmur or palpitation)
- Fast breathing
- Shortness of breath
These are some other indications of myocarditis.
Pericarditis
Our heart has surrounded by a membrane, which looks like a beg, this is called the pericardium. We feel chest pain when the layers affected by the pericardium collide with other layers. It is not a fatal disease, but treatments must take as soon as the initial symptoms appear.
There are medicines for this like
- Blumox coBactoclav
- Mega CV
- Erox CV
- Mox Clav
- Moxikind CV
- Oxipod CV
But taking all medicines only on the doctor's advice & surgery can also be an option.
Cardiomyopathy
In this disease, the heart muscles become weak and unable to pump blood. Cardiomyopathy can be a root cause of heart failure, irregular heartbeat, heart valve problems, etc. Its treatment is also possible with Ayurveda, which reduces the risk of heart failure.
It can generally be four types:
Dilated Cardiomyopathy
It is caused by coronary artery disease in which the muscles become thinner. Also known as this enlarged heart. Sometimes we inherit it too.
Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy
Mostly, this disease is born due to diabetes and thyroid or it can also be due to aging and having high blood pressure. In this, the heart's wall becomes thick, obstructing the movement of blood through the heart.
Arrhythmogennic Right ventricular Dysplasia Cardiomyopathy (ARVD)
The main reason for sudden death in most young athletes is ARVD. Although this is a rare form, it also creates an irregular heartbeat.
Restrictive Cardiomyopathy
Heart transplant gives rise to it; it is the least common form.
Hiatal Hernia
The upper part of the stomach passes through the hiatus of the diaphragm and goes into the chest; the condition is called hiatal hernia. The diaphragm is a thin and long membrane muscle that separates the respiratory system from the digestive organs. It can grow and take the form of a tumor which is fatal for us. Talking about symptoms, some of them are as follows:
- Heartburn
- Chest pain
- Bitter or sour taste in the mouth or throat
- Stomach pain
Therefore, immediately contact the doctor as soon as deducted. Remember, there is no cure in Ayurveda or Homeopathy.
Panic Attack
It would not be wrong to say that panic attacks are mental diseases. People suffering from it live in fear forever, whether they are aware of it or not. Panic attacks instigate heart rate, which is called tachycardia. Heart rate can be more than 200 feet per minute, because of which we feel lightheaded and short of breath or sometimes even fluttering and chest pain which can also lead to a heart attack.
Some of its symptoms are:
- A racing heartbeat
- Feeling faint
- Sweating
- Nausea
- Chest pain
- Shortness of breath
- Trembling
- Hot flushes
Some self-care sequences prove to be very effective such as:
- Focus on an object
- Close eyes
- Practice mindfulness
- Use deep breathing
Therapies, like Cognitive behavioural therapy and Benzodiazepines, may also be tried.
Asthma
If the air does not reach the lungs, then it is difficult breathing for us, due to which the condition of asthma arises. For some, it is just a disease, whereas for some just a problem.
Its principal roots are related to global warming, where air pollution is at the top. The symptoms of asthma may be different in people. Some people have symptoms like shortness of breath, cough, etc., while some do not have any signs. Yet they do not know and becomes a victim of asthma.
Researchers and doctors claim that only the environment or heredity is not responsible for it but have also explained more reasons. Some of these we must know.
- Smoking: Since it is a lung disease, people who smoke can easily get infected with it.
- Obesity: Obesity rises to many diseases; asthma is also one of them.
- Allergy: Allergies to dust and smoke are also the cause of asthma.
- Pollution: Those who do not know take stress or have no allergy complaints, still if they have asthma; the only reason for this is pollution.
Its symptoms are chest pain, short breathing, and cough. An inhaler is a great option. If we have persistent shortness of breathing or cough, consult the doctor.
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
The esophagus is the pipe that carries food from the throat to the stomach. The sphincter is present above the stomach. If it is not closed, the esophagus acid starts moving upwards. This condition is responsible for GERD.
If the acid formed in the stomach enters into this pipe till the chest pain starts. This is due to overeating or eating spicy and oily food.
Now, let's look at its symptoms.
- Dizziness or vomiting
- Heartburn
- Shortness of breath
- Trouble walking and eating
Its treatment is in our hands, such as minimizing the consumption of junk food and avoiding overeating.
Collapsed Lungs
If we talk about the lungs, then after the heart, there is a valuable part of the body, the collapse of such an organ is a dangerous problem. So, first, understand its causes and symptoms. This is known as pneumothorax, which is a medical term. It can be recognized this by these symptoms.
- Sharp, stabbing pain in the chest
- A rapid heart rate
- Low blood pressure
- Short of breath
- Anxiety
- Fatigue
The condition when gas or air enters the pleural cavity is for some reason. This air or gas from the outside creates pressure on the lungs that causes the lungs to shrink. Apart from this, some common reasons are as follow:
- Pneumonia
- Lung cancer
- Going to ventilator regularly
- Chest surgery
- Stomach surgery
A collapsed lung is a serious problem even though it is rare. Therefore, the doctor's consultation should be compulsory as soon as the initial symptoms appear.
Muscles Strain
Occasionally, we feel the stretch in our muscles while exercising or climbing stairs, fast walking, and running. It happens because of swelling and stress in the muscles. These are called muscles strains. As a result, there is constant pain in the chest.
Chest Injuries
There are many types of chest injuries, one of which is a rib fracture. It cracks or breaks the rib and sometimes injures the cartilage of the rib cage. Symptoms of broken ribs may include:
- Sharp, severe pain in the area of chest injury.
- Pain that gets worse when you breathe or cough.
- Pain that gets worse when you press or lie on the injured area.
Tuberculosis
Earlier, people used to think that tuberculosis (TB) was not dangerous. It's an old disease, who was ignoring it. Due to HIV infection, it is again becoming a well-known topic globally. It spreads in the air and is the most common disease compared to others. Though it affects our lungs, it can also infect the rest of the body, such as the spinal cord, brain, and heart. Initially, there are no symptoms of it but spread from one person to another.
Some indications confirm the presence of TB are as follows:
- Pain in the chest
- Cough
- Fatigue
- Fever
- Loss of appetite
- Unintentional weight loss
Aortic Dissection
It is the largest artery of the body whose chief function is to circulate blood in the body. In some cases, there is a rupture inside, called aortic dissection. An artery has a layer called lumen inside that leaks fluid, which becomes a serious problem. This blood divides the parts of the inner and middle layer of the aortic, but if this goes to the layer outside it then it can be catastrophic. In such a situation, the blood reaches the heart and lungs.
Aortic dissection is rare but dangerous and most commonly affects people between the age of 60 and 70.
During aortic dissection, people feel as
- Several chest pains
- Nausea
- Shortness of breathe
- Dizziness
- Fainting
- Low blood pressure
- Middle back pain
If we are talking about risk factors, it is the root of diseases like Hypertension, atherosclerosis, aortic aneurysm, bicuspid aortic valve, and coarctation.
Peptic Ulcers
A peptic ulcer is also called a gastric ulcer which has accumulated on the abdominal surface of the stomach. It can also become a risk if the right and timely treatment is not given. It occurs over the small intestine, the acid digests food damages the stomach.
There are two types of gastric and duodenal ulcers. Just be aware of the symptoms.
- Heartburn
- Chest pain
- Stomach pain
- Vomiting
After coming to a stage, the ulcer can also blast called perforation.
These are some of the reasons due to why left chest pain occurs. Sometimes, these are normal and can be fatal or even cause death. Therefore it is necessary to understand its nature. So, we should take care accordingly.
When to Seek Emergency Help
Let's focus on when to seek emergency help. Some of these diseases or symptoms are such for which we are responsible. Our lifestyle, eating habits, bad habits, stress, overeating, etc., affect our health. By improving these habits, perhaps we can avoid these diseases. The doctor will also give us the same advice. The diseases we mentioned high up are mild, some are strong is death-dealing. Therefore, after carefully understanding their courses, keep in mind their symptoms and immediately consult a doctor.
In this, heart attack, collapsed lungs, hiatal hernia, tuberculosis, and peptic ulcer are some such diseases, which, if not treated at the right time, might be increases problems. For example, a heart attack starts with chest pain further; it reaches the back, shoulder, neck, teeth, gums, and joints. Collapse means to fall. We already know the importance of the lung. If the lungs themselves do not work, it is not ignorable.
Tuberculosis is dangerous; its cure is not impossible. Its treatment is available for free in government hospitals and DOTS centers. Its medicines should not leave between, or else the patient has difficulties.
DOTS stands for Directly Observed Treatment, Short-Course is a campaign given from its free test to treatment, and the BCG vaccine is available to protect children from TB.
A peptic ulcer is diagnosed with imaging tests such as X-rays and CT scans.
So this is some means by which we can identify the diseases occurring inside us at the right time and avoid their complications.
So now a place of ignoring left chest pain, try to prevent it.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is angina?
If there is not enough blood flow to the heart, we feel pain in the left side of the chest or do not feel comfortable. These symptoms may be angina. Feeling pressure on the chest is also another sign. It is also called angina pectoris or ischemic chest pain. It is an indication of heart disease. If there is a blockage in the arteries, then this situation arises.
We can deal with angina with lifestyle modifications like:
- A balanced diet
- Adequate sleep
- Yoga & exercise support
- Regular checkups
- Weight loss
- Avoid overeating
- Stress-free life
- Less use of low fat or no-fat dairy products
Nitrates, such as nitroglycerin for angina, are prescribed. Nitrates reduce or eliminate the severity of angina attacks by dilating blood vessels. For this, we can take medicines beta-blockers and calcium blockers. For reasons, it also has to be surgery like Angioplasty and Coronary artery bypass surgery. Usually, this is miner but sometimes an indication of dangerous heart diseases.
Its causes:
This is heart disease. This problem arises when fatty material plaques accumulate in the arteries and block the blood flow to the heart muscle. This starts pain in the chest and starts forming clots in the arteries, which increases the chances of a heart attack. Apart from this, chest pain is caused by the following actions:
- pulmonary embolism hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
- vasoconstriction
- swelling in the sac surrounding the heart
- risk of angina
Some factors make a person a victim of angina.
- growing old
- heart diseases in the family
- high cholesterol
- diabetics
- stress
- lack of adequate exercise
Its symptoms:
The symptoms of angina are different in men and women, but some signs are common in both as:
- chest pain
- burning and heaviness in the chest
- arms, neck, shoulder, or back pain
The pain area of men and women is different. Men often have pain in the chest, neck, and shoulder. Women can feel pain in the stomach, neck, throat, arms. Difficulty in breathing, dizziness, etc., can also be the reasons. Knowing these symptoms, consult a doctor immediately and avoid the risk of a heart attack.
Which specialist does a patient need to consult for chest pain?
Chest pain happens due to many reasons and we do not have enough knowledge to identify all these. That's why, as soon as it arises, it becomes necessary that we get it checked by the cardiologist. If chest pain is sudden and unbearable, you can consult your physician also.
It is also crucial to keep doing routine checkups from time to time so that you can identify any diseases at an early stage and get proper treatment.
DOTS service in India?
Directly Observed Therapy, Short-Course (DOTS) center was formed, in 1993 by the Government of India started the Revised National Tuberculosis Control Programme at All India Institute of Medical Science (AIIMS). In these centers, the facilities provide free examination to the treatment of TB patients. This is a health organization motivated by community volunteers and family members to take medicines and complete courses from time to time. It takes a 6 months drug course to eliminate TB. But people do not complete this course due to negligence. DOTS is set up as a strategy to ensure that patients take all medicines on time. Its centres are available all over the country.
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