Can Left Shoulder Pain be a Sign of Heart Attack?

Chest Pain is a common symptom of a heart attack, but it is not the only one. According to various studies in the field, most people with heart attacks experience left shoulder pain heart attack.

This is because the nerves that supply blood to the heart and chest also supply the shoulder. So, when there is a problem with the heart, those same nerves can cause pain in the shoulder. And this is what the shoulder pain associated with a heart attack.

There are many common causes of shoulder pain. Rotator cuff injuries, arthritis, bursitis, and tendinitis, are the most common causes. Let's try to understand them in detail:

Rotator Cuff Injuries

1. Rotator cuff injuries are a leading cause of shoulder pain. A rotator cuff is a cluster of tendons and muscles that connect the shoulder blade and upper arm bone. These muscles and tendons help lift the arm.
2. A rotator cuff injury can occur from overuse, repetitive motion, or a sudden fall or blow to the arm. A rotator cuff injury can cause pain when lifting the arm or reaching overhead and weakness in the arm.
3. Sometimes, you may experience a crackling sensation when moving your arm.

Arthritis

1. Arthritis is another frequent cause of shoulder pain. Many types of arthritis can affect the shoulder joint, such as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and post-traumatic arthritis.
2. Arthritis symptoms include joint pain, stiffness, and decreased range of motion.

Bursitis

1. It is a common condition causing shoulder pain. Bursae are small fluid-filled sacs that cushion between bones and tissues such as muscles and tendons.
2. When these sacs become inflamed, it is called bursitis. Bursitis symptoms include pain when moving the affected joint, swelling, and warmth around the joint.

Tendinitis

1. Tendinitis is yet another condition that can lead to shoulder pain. Tendons are the thick cords attaching muscles to bones. When the tendons become irritated or inflamed, it is called tendinitis.
2. Tendinitis symptoms include pain, stiffness, and tenderness around the affected joint.
3. While these are a few of the most common shoulder pain causes, many other conditions can also cause shoulder pain, such as pinched neck nerves, muscle tears, lifting heavy items, etc.
4. If you are experiencing shoulder pain and cannot recall any damage to the shoulder, see your doctor to discover the cause so that you can receive proper treatment.

Although the best way to save a person or yourself when experiencing heart attack symptoms is to call for an ambulance or emergency medical services, you can also do a couple of things to help.

1. Chew and swallow medications like aspirin or nitroglycerin while you are waiting for the ambulance to come. Aspirin is a drug that can keep clots from forming in your arteries. Further, it can also reduce damage during a heart attack when taken. However, if you are allergic to aspirin, do not take it.
2. Heart attacks can cause the person to lose consciousness and the heart to stop. If you cannot find a pulse, prepare to do emergency CPR to make sure that the blood still flows.
3. Push at the centre of the person’s chest hard and fast for about 100 to 120 times per minute. Also, breathe into the person’s mouth to fill the lungs with air. Continue this till the medical help arrives.
4. In more severe cases, medical procedures such as angioplasty or stenting may be necessary. Surgery, such as coronary artery bypass grafting, may also be required in some cases.

In many cases, shoulder pain and heart attack are directly connected, and left shoulder pain clearly indicates a heart attack. However, not all left shoulder pain can be a sign of a heart attack. When experiencing shoulder pain, one needs to consult a medical practitioner to determine and treat the causes. Ignoring the shoulder pain can lead to further complications later in life, no matter if the pain is related to heart conditions or any other issues in the shoulder.

When you are unsure why you are experiencing shoulder pain or other symptoms of a heart attack, getting adequate treatment is crucial. If you are looking for experienced and qualified professionals to help you treat any heart ailments and cardiac issues, HexaHealth is a great place to search for experts.

Even if your shoulder hurts due to any damage to your shoulder, HexaHealth can help you find the right treatment and medical professional to help you. It is a platform that offers an extensive list of medical professionals, hospitals, and treatment plans that users can choose based on their preferences. There are also options to find suitable medical insurance and payment options. So don’t wait; contact a HexaHealth expert today!