Left Arm Pain: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Emergency Causes
Left arm pain can be a symptom of a heart attack, angina, or deep vein thrombosis (DVT). If you experience left arm pain and other heart attack symptoms, such as chest discomfort or pain, shortness of breath, or upper body pain, call 911 immediately.
Heart Attack
A heart attack occurs when blood flow to the heart is blocked, causing the heart muscle to die. Symptoms of a heart attack include:
Angina
Angina is a heart condition characterized by a narrowed coronary artery, which reduces blood flow to the heart muscle. Symptoms include:
Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)
DVT is a blood clot that develops in a vein deep within the body. Symptoms include:
Other Causes of Dull, Flaring Left Arm Pain
When to See a Provider
If you experience arm pain accompanied by symptoms of a heart condition, call 911 immediately. If you experience arm pain from an injury or a long-term condition like arthritis, contact a healthcare provider for evaluation and treatment.
Diagnosis
A healthcare provider will diagnose arm pain based on reported symptoms and any required tests or scans. If arm pain is thought to be caused by a heart condition, the person may undergo:
How to Minimize Future Pain
To minimize future pain, follow these tips:
Summary
Left arm pain can be a symptom of a heart condition, injury, or long-term condition. If you experience left arm pain with chest pain, shortness of breath, or other heart attack symptoms, seek immediate medical attention. If your arm pain is not related to a heart condition, contact a healthcare provider for evaluation and treatment.
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