Drawing pain behind the sternum on the left side. Chest pain on the left

If breathing causes pain, this does not necessarily mean that it is the respiratory organs that hurt. Pain in chest with a deep breath on the left, extremely similar to a heart, also does not always mean that this is a sign of heart disease.

Soreness in the chest, aggravated during a deep breath, is often provoked by neurological problems, injuries or diseases of the spine.

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There are so many provoking factors that the differentiation of the diagnosis requires in-depth research and testing, which indicates the impossibility of independently establishing the causes. But familiarization with their diversity still makes sense.

General idea of ​​chest pain when inhaling

What causes pain in the left side of the chest when inhaling? In the respiratory process, many more organs and muscles are involved and interconnected than the average person can imagine.

1. The respiratory function depends not only on the work of the lungs, but also on the muscular layer of the diaphragm, which either stretches into the abdominal cavity, or is pressed against the chest, providing a balance of internal pressure in the thoracic and abdominal sections of the body.
2. The respiratory process is also impossible without the measured work of the heart, which ensures the “pumping” of blood and filling it with oxygen.
3. Breathing would be impossible without the ability of the bones and muscles of the thoracic skeleton to expand and contract as needed.

If at least at one point of this entire system of vessels, tissues and nerve processes a focus of inflammation or compression appears, the nerve receptors will begin to give the body their signals in the form of pain when breathing in the chest on the left.

Why does it hurt on the left in the chest near the heart when breathing?

What specific problems provoke chest pain on the left when inhaling? Judging by the frequency of diagnoses recorded by doctors, neuralgic diseases most often contribute to this.

Neuralgia and osteochondrosis

Acute "shoot through" pains are characteristic of diseases associated with pinched nerves in the intercostal muscles (with intercostal neuralgia) or with chronic damage to the intervertebral discs and cartilage, called osteochondrosis.

A distinctive feature of intercostal neuralgia is an increase in pain in the left side of the chest with a deep breath, which is explained by pinching of the nerve when the ribs and muscles move between them to expand.

The provocateur of an acute attack of pain in neuralgia (it is also called thoracalgia) is a muscle spasm that occurs:

• during physical overload;
• from hypothermia (if "stretched" in a draft);
• due to sleeping in an uncomfortable position;
• due to unsuccessful or too abrupt movement of the body.

In turn, the tendency to muscle spasm often develops due to:

• diseases nervous system: polyradiculitoneuritis, multiple sclerosis;
• various curvature of the spinal column;
• salt deposits or inflammatory processes in the spine, ligaments and joints;
• herpetic, influenza or tuberculosis infection.

Reduced immunity, allergies, poisoning, stress, and even excessive drinking can provoke an attack of neuralgia in the form of acute pain in the chest on the left when inhaling and moving.

The muscular corset and ribs reliably protect the thoracic spine, so osteochondrosis of this department is a rather rare phenomenon (cervical is more common). But it also cannot be excluded from the list of provoking factors of pain in the chest.

Inflammation of the lung and its lining

If the chest hurts on the left when inhaling, such a symptom may be a sign of inflammation that has begun in the left side of the pleura - the pulmonary membrane. Inflammation usually comes from the lung itself, but since the organ is not innervated by neurons that are sensitive to irritation, it cannot hurt itself.

When the pathological process spreads to the serous membrane that envelops the lung, the left side of the chest begins to hurt during inhalation, aggravated by coughing and a deeper breath.

Since it is accompanied by a general deterioration in well-being and other vivid symptoms, it is possible to suspect the development of left-sided pleurisy if the listed symptoms preceded the onset of pain in the chest with a deep breath or exhalation.

Consequences of injury

Deep or hidden traumatic lesion of the bone or muscle tissue in the left side of the chest also often causes pain. Moreover, not only pain can be felt with a deep breath, but pain may also appear during exhalation in the chest on the left, which gives good reason to assume its traumatic nature.

The danger of chest injury lies in the high probability of developing a dangerous complication - which is characterized by the accumulation of air or other gases in the pleural cavity.

The consequences of pneumothorax can be a severe lack of oxygen with a sharp drop in blood pressure. The lack of treatment and the progress of this condition can lead to cardiac arrest, which indicates the danger of such a complication.

Cardiovascular problem

Can a deep breath hurt the heart? What does it mean if, with deep breathing, pain in the chest was found on the left side of the heart when inhaling? This symptom is often the only sign of a condition such as precordial syndrome. Manifestations of precordial syndrome are different:

• suddenness, sharpness;
• duration (30–180 seconds);
• conjugation with breathing (intensifies with a deep breath);
• "causeless" (it is not provoked by physical exertion, but occurs in a calm state).

Another cardiac cause of pain in the thoracic region during breathing (and deep inspiration) on the left is inflammation of the pericardial membrane - the pericardium, called dry pericarditis. Distinctive characteristics of this pathology:

• pain radiates to the left shoulder or left side of the neck, has a pronounced constant piercing-cutting or burning character;
• may not be too pronounced or, conversely, similar to an angina attack or heart attack;
• pain in the chest increases with a deep breath on the left, lying on the left side, coughing, swallowing;
• relieved - when sitting, leaning forward, in a position where the elbows rest on the knees, while lying on the right side.

Symptoms of dry pericarditis can be supplemented by weakness, sweating, nausea, fever, shortness of breath, shallow breathing, chills, and sometimes hiccups.

Embolism of the artery of the left lung

Blockage of the artery of the left lung or its branches with an embolus (thrombus), or - is also a common cause of pain in the thoracic region on the left, aggravated by a deep breath. This disease poses a serious threat to human health and life, since blockage of the most important vessel of the lung prevents blood flow in the organ and increases the load on the right heart sections.

1. This can lead to acute right ventricular failure.
2. An embolism threatens with a reflex release of vasoconstrictors into the bloodstream - active substances contributing to vasoconstriction.
3. Due to the increase in blood pressure, the right chambers of the heart can enlarge and expand, causing a phenomenon called cor pulmonale.
4. As a result of gas exchange, the general enrichment organs and tissues with oxygen.

The main provoking factor in the development of PE is thrombosis of the veins of the pelvis or lower extremities.

bronchopulmonary tumor

The worst diagnosis, the symptom of which is chest pain, especially with a deep breath on the left, is undoubtedly a tumor lesion of the respiratory system. This pathology is called bronchopulmonary cancer and, as a rule, has an unsatisfactory prognosis.

That is why it is so important to pay attention in a timely manner to chest pains on the left or right, under the ribs or behind the sternum, this can be a signal of a serious illness.

If pain is on the left side when moving

1. What can be said about the increase in pain in the chest on the left with a deep breath, as well as when moving the arms, neck or head? Most often, an increase in the intensity of pain during movement occurs with traumatic lesions of the chest and with neuralgic conditions.
2. Pain may increase when moving the left hand and due to left-sided pleurisy, it can be muffled by finding a comfortable position in which the pleural membrane will not be too irritated by friction against neighboring organs of the thoracic region.

To make a diagnosis, a deep examination and a thorough study of the anamnesis are required, so you should describe your feelings to the doctor in detail.

If it hurts on the right when inhaling

Almost all of the above causes can cause pain in the chest with a deep breath and on the right side, if it is:

• right-sided pneumonia, turning into;
• injury to the right side of the body;
• intercostal neuralgia in the right side of the chest, etc.

Wherever pain is found, the patient's task is to catch the nature of this pain in the chest, its localization (left or right), the reasons for the increase (with a deep breath, during movement, in a calm state). This is necessary in order to provide the doctor with the most clear picture of pain. After all, the sooner the diagnosis is made, the sooner adequate treatment will begin, which in most cases is crucial for the outcome of the disease.

Useful video

For the most common causes of chest pain, see the information in the following video:

Conclusion

1. Pain in the chest with a deep breath on the left most often occurs due to neuralgia, pulmonary embolism, cardiac pathologies, inflammation of the respiratory system or bronchopulmonary tumors.
2. To determine the exact cause of the pain, it is necessary to contact the therapist who conducts the initial appointment of patients with similar symptoms. After carrying out the necessary examinations, the patient is referred to a narrow specialist - a pulmonologist, a phthisiatrician, a cardiologist, an oncologist.
3. The sooner the diagnosis is determined, the more success can be expected from treatment procedures.

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Pressing pain in the chest area is a dangerous symptom that can have an acute or chronic course and occur in isolation or in combination with other signs. Most often, the cause of this condition is a violation in the work of the inner and outer layers of the heart muscle (myocardium and pericardium), but sometimes pathologies of the musculoskeletal system, neurological diseases, and even diseases of the digestive tract can cause pain.

To get rid of unpleasant symptoms and prevent deterioration of well-being, it is necessary to correctly determine the cause of pain and squeezing. To do this, you need to contact a local therapist or cardiologist. If a person has pressure in the sternum and it is difficult to breathe, he will be assigned laboratory tests and other diagnostic methods (chest x-ray, ultrasound of the heart, ECG, etc.).

When talking about pressure in the chest area, most often they mean a feeling of compression and squeezing, which can occur on the left or right of the sternum, or in the middle. The symptom may be accompanied by burning, sharp or dull pain, tingling, difficulty breathing. Severe dull pain can radiate to the interscapular zone, forearm, collarbone and neck.

Simultaneously with the feeling of squeezing, the patient may experience other signs, for example:

• pale skin (sometimes mucous membranes);
• burning, cramps and tingling in the chest area;
• a slight increase in temperature (up to 37.2-37.3 °);
• an attack of asphyxia (suffocation);
• cramps of the calf muscles;
• pain in the back, lower back and coccyx;
• fluctuations in blood pressure.

Note! These symptoms do not always appear. Clinical manifestations of pathology depend on the cause that caused its occurrence. For example, with problems with the heart, the patient often has pathological pallor of the skin and difficulty breathing. In diseases of a neurological nature, a frequent symptom is involuntary muscle contractions(convulsions) and shooting pain in the lower back, neck, or forearm.

Pressure in the chest can also be acute or chronic. A one-time attack is most often not associated with any violations and occurs under the influence of negative factors, which include:

emotional unrest and stress;

lifting heavy objects;

prolonged stay in a stuffy, poorly ventilated room;

abrupt change in climatic conditions.

If attacks of pressure in the sternum, accompanied by shortness of breath, appear periodically, it is important to identify the cause, as there may be serious disturbances in the functioning of vital organs.

Video: 3 tests for chest pain. How to find out what hurts behind the sternum

Presses behind the sternum, more on the left

Squeezing on the left side of the chest most often indicates problems in the work of the heart. The most common of these are heart attack And angina pectoris. With these diseases, the feeling of squeezing is accompanied by acute pain behind the sternum, asphyxia, fluctuations in blood pressure. In an acute attack, cyanosis of individual areas of the skin may appear.

Important! If pressure behind the sternum appeared against the background of severe pain, a sharp drop in pressure, the reason may be in a rapidly developing heart attack. In this case, the patient may have a cold sweat that has a sticky consistency. All these signs are the reason for calling the medical team and providing emergency care.

Another pathology with left-sided compression of the sternum - aortic aneurysm. The aorta is the largest blood vessel human body consisting of three departments. With an aneurysm, the outer membranes of the aorta are separated and blood accumulates in them, which presses on nearby soft tissues. It is this pressure that causes pain and a feeling of compression of the chest on the left side.

Pressure in the chest is not always caused by cardiac pathologies. In some cases, the cause of an attack can be diseases of the digestive tract. The most common of them pancreatitis. This is a disease in which the tissues of the pancreas become inflamed. Pressure in the chest with pancreatitis occurs mainly after eating and may be accompanied by pain in the abdomen and dull pain in the abdominal region.

The same symptoms are typical for diseases of the esophagus. For example, when hernia of the esophagus pressure in the sternum, difficult and painful breathing appear after almost every meal, especially if the patient does not follow the recommended diet and makes errors in the amount of food consumed.

Important! The patient may experience difficulty breathing and bursting (pressure) of the sternum with neurological diseases of the spine, in which nerve endings are clamped. To get rid of painful symptoms, it is necessary to undergo a comprehensive examination, according to the results of which the doctor will prescribe the necessary treatment (it may include anti-inflammatory injections, physiotherapy methods, therapeutic exercises, etc.).

Pressure in the chest in the middle

If a person has pressure in the middle of the sternum, the reason is most likely a disease of the musculoskeletal system. The most common of these is scoliosis. With this pathology, lateral deformation of the vertebrae occurs and their deviation to the right or left side from the axis of the spine. Deviated vertebrae put pressure on nearby soft tissues and cause a feeling of sharp compression in the chest area.

Important! Scoliosis progresses very quickly and is difficult to correct, so it is necessary to treat the disease immediately after its diagnosis. This is especially true when it comes to children. According to WHO statistics, every third child aged 3 to 7 years old has initial signs of scoliosis, so parents should pay much attention to the physical health of their children.

The same symptoms can occur with other pathologies of the spinal column, including:

• osteochondrosis of the chest or cervical- dystrophic disorders in the structure of the articular cartilage of the spine and intervertebral discs;
• Bechterew's disease - systemic pathology of the joints (spondyloarthritis);
• herniated intervertebral discs.

The intensity of pain in these diseases depends on the localization of the process, the stage of the disease (acute or chronic) and the individual pain threshold. If the pressure in the middle part of the chest is repeated regularly, it is necessary to consult a specialist, since pathologies of the musculoskeletal system can be successfully treated only in the initial stages.

Pressure and compression on the right side

The classification of causes that cause compression of the sternum and make breathing difficult is very diverse. It is impossible to make an accurate diagnosis based on the patient's complaints and the available clinical symptoms. The patient must undergo the necessary diagnostic examinations and take tests so that the doctor can identify not only the underlying disease, but also associated complications, as well as the degree of damage. internal organs and stage of the pathological process.

Classification of diseases accompanied by pressure on the right side of the chest

Group of diseases	What signs does the doctor evaluate?	Necessary examinations (mandatory)
Pathologies of the heart and blood vessels	Heart rate, blood pressure, pulse	Ultrasound of the heart and blood vessels, electrocardiogram
Neurological diseases	The appearance of pain and a feeling of squeezing in the region of the heart with the right hand raised up	ultrasound, radiography
Diseases of the ENT organs	Pressure sensation when swallowing	Examination of the tissues of the pharynx, radiography of the paranasal sinuses (if sinusitis is suspected)
Diseases of the pulmonary system	The presence and nature of cough, sputum production, body temperature indicators	Chest x-ray, fluorography
Pathologies of the digestive system	Painful syndrome after eating	FGDS, laboratory tests of blood and urine

Important! Some pathologies can pose a mortal danger to humans. For example, with aortic dissection, the patient's death occurs in about 5% of cases (provided there is no treatment or untimely assistance). With a heart attack, this figure is several times higher (more than 75%), so it is important not to endure the discomfort, but immediately apply for medical care.

Video - How to distinguish true pain in the heart from other pain

What to do if it presses behind the sternum and it is difficult to breathe?

The first thing to do when such symptoms appear is to call an ambulance team, especially if the pain is of high intensity and is accompanied by a pronounced attack of asphyxia. The patient must be seated on a chair with his head tilted slightly forward. If the condition is critical, a horizontal position with legs raised up (a stack of books or a few rolled towels can be placed under them) is recommended.

It is very important to provide fresh air. Regardless of weather conditions, it is necessary to open all the windows (avoiding a draft). If the weather is warm outside, you can leave the windows open. Remove all jewelry, accessories and clothing that can squeeze the skin from the patient's body: belts, watches, bracelets, ties, etc.

Of the medical preparations, the use of " Nitroglycerin"(1 tablet under the tongue). If relief does not occur, after 5-6 minutes, you can give the patient another tablet. Other medicines should only be given if the person has a chronic illness and the medicines have been prescribed by a doctor.

Pressure in the chest is not only unpleasant, but also a very dangerous symptom. In no case should you self-medicate with such symptoms, since some methods (for example, the use of warming ointments for osteochondrosis) can be harmful in other pathologies. In order to accurately establish the diagnosis and identify the cause, it is necessary to consult a doctor: a general practitioner, a cardiologist or a neurologist. check out the link. read on our website.

Video: Chest pain with neurosis

Chest pain on the left is a symptom of many diseases. It appears in diseases of the heart, musculoskeletal system, respiratory organs, and abdominal cavity. In order to analyze all the causes of the disease, an encyclopedia is not enough, so we will focus on the most common of them in the article.

When deciding why the chest hurts on the left, the causes should be differentiated between:

• diseases of the heart and circulatory system;
• diseases of bone tissue;
• nervous disorders;
• organic pathology of the brain;
• myofascial syndromes;
• compression-radicular reactions;
• abdominal pathology.

Heart disease

The left half of the chest cavity with heart disease hurts due to:

• coronarogenic;
• non-coronary lesions.

Coronary causes are directly related to violations of blood delivery to the heart muscle through the coronary artery with:

1. atherosclerosis and thrombosis of the vessel lumen;
2. myocardial infarction.

Atherosclerosis (cholesterol deposition) and coronary artery thrombosis lead to a decrease in the volume of circulating blood in the myocardium. This medical condition is called ischemia. Clinical symptoms of ischemic damage to the heart muscle: pain behind the sternum with irradiation to the left half of the chest. The pain is aggravated by stress and nervous disorders. Pathology is eliminated by taking nitroglycerin under the tongue, as the drug dilates the blood vessels.

Chest pain on the left with myocardial infarction is quite strong. Patients experience fear for their lives when it appears. After rest or taking nitroglycerin, pain in a heart attack does not disappear.

Non-coronary causes of chest pain:

1. Pericarditis (inflammation of the outer lining of the pericardium) is accompanied by periodic aching pains. They appear against the backdrop of intense physical activity. In this case, the doctor listens to a specific sound - the rub of the pericardium. Inflamed leaves in contact with each other cause pain.
2. Myocarditis (inflammatory changes in the heart muscle) leads to aching pain in the left side of the chest (where most of the heart is located). Under the influence of physical activity, the pain does not disappear. Reception of nitrates does not eliminate pain. For the disease, the absence of a connection between the pain syndrome and changes in the cardiogram is specific.
3. Cardiomyopathy (a common disease of the heart muscle) develops with myocardial hypertrophy (excessive thickening). It occurs in athletes who engage in strength exercises, and in the elderly. The localization of pain sensations in this pathology may vary, but pain on the left is most typical for it.
4. Acquired vices form various clinical symptoms depending on the type of pathology and its severity. With prolapse mitral valve the left side often hurts, and aortic insufficiency "declares itself" on the right.
5. High blood pressure stresses the heart muscle. The result is pericardial pain. Excessive tension of the walls of the aorta leads to ischemic changes in the myocardium.

Neurological disorders

Answering the question why there is pain in the left half of the chest wall with neurological disorders, the following reasons should be distinguished:

• cardiopsychoneurosis;
• cardialgia;
• intercostal neuralgia;
• muscular-fascial syndromes;
• psychovegetative syndrome.

Neurocirculatory dystonia (NCD) is of 4 types:

1. Simple cardialgia.
2. Protracted cardialgia.
3. Sympathetic form.
4. Pseudoangina.

Of these forms, aching pain in the left side of the chest is observed with simple and prolonged cardialgia. Pseudoangina pectoris is characterized by sharp and short-term attacks of "clamps" behind the sternum.

The sympathetic form of neurocirculatory dystonia is accompanied by pain sensations in the peristernal region with increased sensitivity of the intercostal spaces, mainly in the left half of the chest.

Muscular-fascial syndromes occur with traumatic or inflammatory changes. Pain is aggravated by physical activity. They are not eliminated by taking nitroglycerin.

Psychovegetative disorders appear in various diseases of the brain. They are accompanied not only by algesia (pain), but also by the variability of accompanying symptoms. So a person with Parkinson's syndrome may experience pain attacks on the left with irradiation to the right leg and left ear. Such a wide distribution of pain makes the doctor think about its causes and compare the disease with mental disorders.

Respiratory diseases

In diseases of the respiratory system, pain in the left side of the chest appears due to concomitant changes in the soft tissues. Doctors associate pain in the chest with respiratory diseases in the last place, which is why there are cases of late diagnosis of pathology.

The lung tissue does not have pain receptors, so it rarely hurts. Inflammatory or traumatic injuries of the soft tissues are necessary for clinical symptoms to occur in the chest.

Why does the left half of the body hurt with lung diseases:

• pleurisy (inflammation of the pleura) with the accumulation of infiltrative fluid in the pleural sinus;
• pneumothorax - the exit of air from the bronchus into the pleural cavity during the destruction of lung tissue;
• tumor formation of the mediastinum with compression of the surrounding structures;
• inflammatory diseases (tuberculosis, echinococcal cyst, purulent abscess, croupous pneumonia).

Pulmonary pathology is characterized by a relationship with breathing or coughing. So, with coughing shocks, increased breathing, the left side of the chest hurts more.

Pleurisy is accompanied by inflammation of the pleural sheets. In this case, the infiltrative exudate irritates the proprioceptive receptors of the pleura. If during inflammatory changes there is no fluid in the pleural sinus - dry pleurisy. With him, the left side of the chest hurts badly with every respiratory act.

Tumors of the mediastinum compress mediastinal structures: vessels, nerves, lymph nodes. Against the background of education, an extensive clinic develops, often manifested by pain.

Bowel disease

In diseases of the intestines, it hurts under the left side of the chest. The stomach is located in this area, the pancreas is projected.

For all stomach pains, the relationship with food intake is characteristic:

• aggravated by eating;
• after eating, there is a burning sensation, itching behind the sternum;
• dysphagia - indigestion;
• pain sensations "under the spoon".

What diseases of the intestines cause pain under the sternum on the left:

• hiatal hernia;
• stomach ulcer;
• cholecystitis;
• narrowing of the esophagus;
• enterocolitis.

A hernia of the esophageal opening of the diaphragm manifests itself as an increase in pain after eating. Symptoms intensify in a horizontal position, decrease - with a sharp change in body position.

With a stomach ulcer, it hurts quite a lot under the left side of the “chest corset”.

Similar sensations appear with cholecystitis. Due to the similarity of the clinic of both diseases, it is difficult for doctors to establish a diagnosis, which is why fibrogastroscopy is performed. Only with the help of a probe inserted into the stomach, it is possible to establish the cause of the pathology.

Narrowing of the esophagus in the lower part can also lead to pain in the left side of the trunk, but the symptoms in this case are more related to the irradiation of nerve impulses along the phrenic nerve.

Pathologies of the spine

In diseases of the spine, the left side of the chest hurts only when pathological changes are localized at the level of Th4-L3. True, the therapist cannot establish a direct relationship between algesia and spinal pathology, which is why diagnostic errors occur.

Vertebral pain is characterized by the following specific features:

• constant localization of pain;
• the connection of sensations with the tension of muscle fibers and the position of the body;
• determination of paravertebral pain points at the exit site of inflamed nerves;
• decrease in sensations during massage or the use of mustard plasters;
• acute onset;
• associated neurological symptoms.

When analyzing the above reasons, there is no clear relationship between the infringement of the spinal root and pain in the left side on the left. Such localization of symptoms is associated with the irradiation of a nerve impulse along the course of the intercostal nerves (in the pathology of the thoracic spine).

Particular attention should be paid to a rare pathology - Tietze's syndrome. It appears when the nerve is pinched at the junction of the sternum with the 3rd-4th rib. When the disease occurs, inflammation of the costal cartilages, which is accompanied by pain in the lower part of the sternum. With pressure on the xiphoid process (lower part of the sternum), the pain intensifies.

Sharp pain sensations above the upper part of the sternum or to the left of it appear when the nerve bundle is compressed between the anterior and middle scalenus muscles - scalenus syndrome.

Determining why the chest part of the body hurts on the left, you should first analyze all the above reasons. For a qualified doctor, 15 minutes is enough for this. If you are going to find out the etiological factor of the disease yourself, you will have to monitor your health for several days!

Pain that occurs on the left side next to the heart is an extremely frightening symptom. It may mean that trouble has happened to your heart. For example, developed ischemic or hypertension disease, heart disease or cardiomyopathy. But the same sign can be a manifestation of pathologies of the spine, ribs on the left. Pain from internal organs can radiate to the left side: stomach, spleen, colon.

Where is the heart actually located?

The topmost bone that runs horizontally on the chest wall is the clavicle. Behind it is the first rib, below you can feel a small soft muscle gap, and below it - the second rib. Further through the intervals follow 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8 ribs. The following guidelines will help guide you:

• nipple in a man: it is on the same level with the 5th rib;
• the angle of the scapula directed downward corresponds to the 7th rib in persons of both sexes.

A man's heart is approximately the size of his fist, positioned so that the most protruding index finger points down and to the left. The heart lies as follows (point by point):

• from the upper edge of the second rib, where it is attached to the sternum on the right side;
• the next point to which the line goes is the upper edge of the 3rd rib, 1-1.5 cm to the right of the right edge of the sternum;
• next point: an arc from 3 to 5 ribs on the right, 1-2 cm to the right from the right edge of the sternum.

It was the right border of the heart. Now let's describe the lower one: it runs from the last described point on the right side of the chest and goes obliquely to the gap between the 5th and 6th ribs on the left, to the point that lies 1-2 cm to the right of the left midclavicular line.

Left border of the heart: from the last point, the line goes in an arc to a point 2-2.5 cm to the left of the left edge of the sternum, at the level of the 3rd rib.

This position is occupied by the heart along with large vessels flowing in and out of it:

1. superior vena cava: it is located at the right edge of the sternum, from 2 to 3 ribs; brings oxygen-poor blood from the upper half of the body;
2. aorta: localized at the level of the manubrium of the sternum, from 2 to 3 ribs on the left. It carries oxygenated blood to the organs
3. pulmonary trunk: it is located in front of the rest of the vessels, goes ahead of the aorta to the left and back. Such a vessel is needed to carry blood to the lungs, where it will be saturated with oxygen.

If it hurts in the region of the heart

Pain in the left half of the chest is caused by two types of causes:

1. cardiological, caused by diseases of the heart and blood vessels that feed it;
2. non-cardiological, initiated by many other pathologies. They have their own division depending on the organ system that caused the syndrome.

The following signs indicate that it is the heart that hurts:

• localization of pain: behind the sternum and to the left, to the left edge of the collarbone;
• the character can be different: aching, stabbing, pressing or dull;
• not accompanied by pain in the intercostal spaces or in the vertebrae;
• there is no connection with a certain type of movement (for example, turning the arm in the shoulder joint or raising the arm), pain most often appears after physical exertion;
• there may be a connection with food intake - heart pain with angina pectoris is associated with taking a large amount of food or walking immediately after eating, but then it is not accompanied by heartburn, belching or stool disorders;
• can give to the left hand (especially the little finger of the hand), the left half of the lower jaw, the region of the left shoulder blade, but at the same time there is no violation of the sensitivity of the hand, it does not freeze, does not weaken, the skin does not begin to turn pale on it and hair fall out.

Cardiac pain: what is heart pain?

The following causes of pain caused by diseases of the heart itself can be named:

angina pectoris

This is one type of coronary heart disease. It is connected with the fact that due to the atherosclerotic plaque, thrombus or spasm located in the coronary artery, the diameter of this vessel that feeds the structures of the heart decreases. The latter receives less oxygen and sends pain signals. Characteristics of the latter:

• occur most often after physical or emotional stress: lifting weights, climbing stairs, brisk walking, walking against the wind (especially cold, especially in the morning), walking after eating;
• may appear at night in the morning or after waking up, when a person has not yet got out of bed (this is Prinzmetal's angina);
• after resting or stopping in the first case or taking "Corinfar", "Nifedipine" or "Fenigidin" - in the second, the pain disappears;
• pain squeezing, baking;
• localized either behind the sternum, or to the left of the sternum, its area can be indicated with a fingertip;
• can give to the area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe left hand, shoulder blades; left half of the jaw;
• removed by "Nitroglycerin" after 10-15 seconds.

myocardial infarction

This is the second and most severe form of coronary disease. It develops when those plaques or arteries that caused short-term, only during emotional or physical stress, oxygen starvation of the myocardium, have grown and blocked the artery almost completely. This condition can happen when from somewhere (from some kind of vein, most often in the legs) a blood clot or piece of fat flew off, which clogged the artery. As a result, a section of the heart, if professional help is not provided within an hour by introducing drugs that dissolve the blood clot, will die.

Myocardial infarction can manifest itself in different ways. The classic version is:

• violent, burning, tearing pain on left side in region of heart. It is so strong that a person can even lose consciousness;
• not removed by "Nitroglycerin" and rest;
• gives to the left arm, shoulder blade, neck and jaw - on the left side;
• the pain grows in waves;
• accompanied by shortness of breath, nausea, heart rhythm disturbance;
• cold sweat appears everywhere on the skin.

A heart attack is an insidious disease: if it manifests itself typically, it gives a person a chance to save. But also with this dangerous disease, only the arm, jaw, or even one little finger on the left hand can hurt; there may be a violation of the heart rhythm or suddenly, for no apparent reason, the stomach starts to hurt or loosening of the stool occurs.

Pericarditis

This is the name of the inflammation of the heart bag caused by an infectious cause. People describe such pain as:

• chest pain (or they say: "Localized in the depths of the chest");
• stabbing character;
• aggravated in the supine position;
• weakens if sitting or standing to lean forward a little;
• long, in many cases passes from time to time;
• does not give anywhere;
• not removed by nitroglycerin;
• occurs after acute respiratory infections, pneumonia, other diseases caused by microbes;
• accompanied by weakness, fever.

Mitral valve prolapse

Such a “bulging” of the valve into the left atrium (normally, its petals should open in systole and close tightly in diastole) either has a congenital cause, or develops after suffering rheumatism, myocardial infarction or myocarditis, against the background of lupus, IHD or other heart diseases.

Characterized by:

• not intense bursting heart pain;
• bouts of rapid heartbeat;
• interruptions in the work of the heart;
• dizziness;
• fainting;
• nausea;
• sensation of "coma" in the throat;
• increased sweating;
• due to insufficient blood supply to the brain, a person with mitral valve prolapse is prone to depression, periods of bad mood.

Dissecting aortic aneurysm

This is the name of the condition when in the aorta - the largest vessel in which the highest pressure, an expansion occurs - an aneurysm. Then, against this background, between the layers that form the wall of the aneurysm, an accumulation of blood appears - a hematoma. It "creeps" down, peeling the layers of the aortic wall from each other. As a result, the vessel wall becomes weak and can be torn at any time, causing massive bleeding.

A dissecting aneurysm rarely occurs "by itself", most often it is preceded by a period when a person has constantly high blood pressure, or he suffers from atherosclerosis, when plaques form in the aorta, or syphilis or Marfan's syndrome becomes the cause of the condition.

Pain from a dissecting aortic aneurysm:

• strong;
• located behind the upper part of the sternum;
• can give to the neck, lower jaw;
• can be felt throughout the chest;
• lasts from several hours to several days;
• not removed by nitroglycerin;
• may be accompanied by a blue face and swelling of the jugular veins located on the lateral surfaces of the neck.

Aortitis

This is the name of the inflammation of all three (panaortitis) or parts (endoortitis, mesaortitis, peraortitis) of the membranes of the thoracic aorta. The cause of the disease can be:

• infection (streptococcus, syphilis, tuberculosis, brucellosis);
• autoimmune diseases (Takayasu's disease, collagenosis, Bechterew's disease, thromboangiitis obliterans);
• inflammation can "pass" from inflamed organs located near the aorta: with pneumonia, lung abscess, infective endocarditis, mediastinitis.

The disease is manifested by a group of symptoms: some of them are signs of the underlying disease, others are manifestations of impaired blood supply to the internal organs or the brain, and others are symptoms of inflammation of the aorta itself. The latter include:

• pressing and burning pains in the chest;
• most often - behind the handle of the sternum, but the pain can give to the left;
• give in the neck, between the shoulder blades, in the "pit of the stomach" area;
• the pulse on the carotid and radial arteries is not symmetrical, may be completely absent on one side;
• blood pressure may not be measured on one arm.

Endocarditis

This is the name of the inflammation of the inner shell of the heart, from which the valves are made, the chords of the main "pump" of a person. Pain in this disease rarely occurs - only in its later stages, when the patient performs physical activity or experiences a strong emotion. It is aching, not intense, it can give into the arm and neck.

Other signs of endocarditis are:

• rise in temperature, often to low numbers;
• body temperature drops and rises for no apparent reason;
• fever is accompanied by a feeling of cold or severe chills;
• skin is pale, may be sallow;
• nails thicken, becoming like glass in a watch;
• if you pull back the lower eyelid, some people can find pinpoint hemorrhages on the conjunctiva;
• small joints of the hands are affected;
• rapid weight loss;
• periodically dizzy and headaches, but in a horizontal position, these symptoms disappear.

Cardiomyopathy

There are 3 types of this disease, but pain in the region of the heart is typical only for the hypertrophic variant. The pain syndrome does not differ from that of angina pectoris, and even appears after physical exertion.

In addition to pain, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy manifests itself:

• shortness of breath;
• increased heart rate;
• cough;
• dizziness and fainting;
• swelling of the legs (see cardiac edema);
• increased fatigue.

Heart defects

They are either congenital in nature, or develop against the background of rheumatism. Heart pain most often accompanies only aortic stenosis - a decrease in diameter in the place where the aorta leaves the heart.

The pain syndrome in this case is constant, its character is pinching, stabbing, pressing. In addition, blood pressure often rises, swelling appears on the legs. There are no other signs specific to aortic stenosis.

Myocarditis

Inflammation of the heart muscle, which is most often a consequence of influenza or enterovirus infection, is also manifested by pain in the heart in 75-90% of cases. They have a stabbing or aching character, they arise both in connection with physical activity, and in a state of relative rest, after exercise. There are also increased fatigue, increased body temperature. Nitroglycerin does not help relieve pain.

Myocardial dystrophy

This is the name of a group of heart diseases in which the heart muscle is not inflamed and does not undergo degeneration, but the main functions of the heart associated with its contractility and rhythm suffer.

The disease can be manifested by a pain syndrome of a different nature. Most often, these are aching or aching pains that appear against the background of a feeling of heat or, conversely, increased chilliness of the limbs, sweating. In addition, weakness, fatigue, frequent headaches are noted.

Hypertonic disease

Constantly high blood pressure can be manifested not only by a headache, “flies” before the eyes, or a feeling of “tide”. In this case, pain may appear in the left half of the chest, which has an aching, pressing character or a feeling of "heaviness" in the chest.

These are, in principle, all heart diseases that may be accompanied by pain in the left side of the chest. There are much more non-cardiac pathologies that cause this symptom, and now we will analyze them.

Non-cardiac diseases

They are divided into several groups, depending on which organ system was the cause of this symptom.

Psychoneurological pathologies

Painful sensations in the region of the heart may be due to cardioneurosis and cyclothymic conditions, which are identical in their manifestations. In these cases, despite the richness of symptoms, no pathology is detected during examination of the heart and internal organs. A person notes the following symptoms:

• pain in the left side of the chest appear in the morning before waking up or during it;
• attacks almost always occur when overheated, rather than on cold and windy days, as is the case with angina pectoris;
• it can be provoked by depression or a conflict situation;
• pain does not disappear if you stop or take nitroglycerin; it can last up to several days, or it can appear several times a day (up to 5), lasting for 1-2 hours. In this case, the nature of the pain can change each time;
• if you do a few easy exercise, it can relieve pain;
• the nature of the pain can be different: squeezing, heaviness, tingling, it can be described as an "emptiness" in the chest or, conversely, bursting. There may be a "pressing pain" or a syndrome of severe intensity, accompanied by a fear of death;
• pain radiates to the neck, both shoulder blades, can capture the right half of the chest, the region of the spine;
• you can accurately indicate the point at which maximum pain is noted;
• increased sensitivity of the left nipple;
• the condition worsens when experiencing any - positive or negative - emotions;
• during an attack, a person begins to breathe often and superficially, as a result of which the content of carbon dioxide in the blood decreases, which is accompanied by dizziness, a feeling of fear, and can serve as the basis for the development of arrhythmia;
• with all the frequency and intensity of seizures, drugs such as Nitroglycerin or Anaprilin do not affect them; lasting for years, nor do they lead to the development of heart failure phenomena: shortness of breath, swelling in the legs, changes in the chest x-ray or ultrasound picture of the liver.

Patients with cardioneurosis are talkative, fussy, change body position during an attack, looking for a local remedy to help relieve pain. When taking Nitroglycerin, the effect does not occur after 1.5-3 minutes, as with angina pectoris, but almost immediately or after a long time. Such people are more effectively helped by drugs such as Valocordin, Gidazepam or valerian tincture.

Neurocirculatory dystonia is the second main pathology, in which there are no changes in either the function or the structure of the internal organs, but at the same time the person suffers from “heart” pains. They may be of this nature:

1. Localized in the area near the nipple, have a mild or moderate severity, last several minutes - several hours. Validol and nitroglycerin help relieve pain. This is the most common type of cardialgia.
2. To be aching or pressing, accompanied by an increase in blood pressure, fear, trembling, sweating, shortness of breath. You can remove such an attack with the help of Anaprilin (Atenolol, Metoprolol, Nebivolol) in combination with valerian or motherwort tincture.
3. Possess a burning character, be localized behind the sternum or to the left of it, accompanied by increased sensitivity of the intercostal spaces when they are probed. Nitroglycerin, validol or valocordin do not stop the attack. This is done by mustard plasters applied to the region of the heart.
4. Have a pressing, squeezing, aching character, localized behind the sternum, aggravated by walking and physical exertion.

Pain in diseases of the musculoskeletal system and nerve endings

Pain syndrome can occur with irritation of the nerves innervating the intercostal muscles, with inflammation of the costal and cartilaginous parts of the ribs

Neuralgia of intercostal nerves

The pain is constant, aggravated by breathing (especially a deep breath), tilting the body in the same direction. One or more intercostal spaces are painful. If intercostal neuralgia is caused by the herpes zoster virus, then in one intercostal space you can find bubbles filled with a clear liquid.

Apart from these pains, there are no other symptoms. Only if neuralgia is caused by the varicella-zoster virus, the temperature can be raised. In the case of a weakened organism, complications from the nervous system may occur: meningitis, encephalitis.

Myositis of the intercostal muscles

In this case, there are pains in the muscles of the heart area. It intensifies with a deep breath and when the body tilts in a healthy direction. If you start to feel the affected muscle, pain is felt.

Shoulder-costal syndrome

In this case, the pain occurs under the scapula, radiates to the neck and shoulder girdle (what we used to call the “shoulder”), the anterior-lateral part of the chest wall. The diagnosis is made quite simply: if the patient puts his hand on the opposite shoulder, then at the upper corner of the scapula or at the spine in this place, you can feel the point of maximum pain.

Interscapular pain syndrome

This condition occurs when the complex of structures located between the shoulder blades is inflamed: muscles, ligaments and fascia. It begins with the appearance of heaviness in the interscapular zone. Then a pain syndrome develops, which has a breaking, boring, burning character. Its intensity increases during emotional stress, during a night's sleep, when breathing and turning the body, it radiates to the neck, shoulder, forearm and arm. The syndrome differs from intercostal neuralgia and heart pain in that pain points can be found in the area of ​​the scapula, and the intercostal muscles are painless.

Inflammation of the costal cartilage (chondritis) on the left side

It is manifested by the appearance of swelling of one of the cartilages; she is sick. After a while, the edematous area softens, it can open with the release of pus. In this case, the temperature may rise to subfebrile numbers. Even after opening the abscess in the area of ​​the inflamed rib, pain persists, which can disturb for 1-3 years.

Tietze syndrome

This is the name of a disease of unknown cause, in which one or more costal cartilages become inflamed at the point where they connect to the sternum. The syndrome is manifested by pain in the localization of inflammation, which is aggravated by pressing on this area, sneezing, movements, and also with deep breathing.

The disease proceeds with periods of exacerbation, when all symptoms appear, and remissions, when a person feels healthy.

Injuries, fractures, bruises of the ribs

If an injury was inflicted, and then pain is noted in the chest, it is impossible to differentiate by symptoms whether it is a bruise or a fracture. Both of these pathologies are manifested by severe pain that extends to the entire chest; it gets worse with breathing. Even if it was a fracture and it healed, chest pain will still be noted for some time.

Tumor of one of the ribs on the left - osteosarcoma

It can appear in people of any age. Oncopathology is manifested by a pain syndrome localized in the region of the ribs. It intensifies at night, is characterized by a pulling character. On late stages swelling is noted in the area of ​​the affected rib.

Osteochondrosis

When squeezing the bundles of the spinal nerves on the left, pain appears in the region of the ribs. She:

• aching;
• constant;
• changes intensity with a change in body position;
• increases with physical exertion, overheating, drafts and hypothermia;

Additional symptoms are:

• tingling and numbness in the left arm,
• her muscle weakness
• there may be pain in the left arm,
• which has three distribution options:
  • along its outer surface to the thumb and forefinger;
  • on the inner, closest to the little finger, area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe hand;
  • along the back-outer part, heading towards the middle finger - this will depend on which of the roots is pinched.

Osteoporosis

This is the name of the pathology in which the bones (including the ribs) are too low in calcium. It occurs due to its insufficient intake, poor absorption or increased destruction.

The pathology is asymptomatic, you can find out about it if you perform an ultrasound densitometry of the ribs (find out their density). The first symptoms appear when small cracks appear on the ribs or such fractures that appear when the body is tilted or sharply turned. During such movements, a strong, sharp pain usually appears in the region of the ribs, which then persists even when the position of the body changes.

Herniated disc

This pathology - akin to osteochondrosis, is associated with malnutrition of the intervertebral disc with its subsequent destruction. Only in the case of a hernia, that part of the disk that cannot be destroyed begins to protrude beyond the vertebrae and compress the nerves passing there.

Hernia manifests itself as a pain syndrome:

• growing gradually;
• intensifying to the most pronounced degree, leading even to loss of consciousness;
• gives to the neck or arm, where it has a shooting character.

Symptoms can be confused with myocardial infarction. The main difference is the fact that with a herniated disc, the general condition of a person does not suffer.

fibromyalgia

This is the name of chronic musculoskeletal pain that occurs for no apparent reason in symmetrical parts of the body. In this case, the pain syndrome appears after stress or emotional trauma. The ribs hurt not only on the left, but also on the right, the pain is aggravated by rain and a similar change in weather conditions.

A person notes a feeling of stiffness in the chest, complains of poor falling asleep, periodic headaches. Decreased coordination of his movements; quality of life suffers.

Musculoskeletal syndrome

This disease is not rare. Its cause is an injury to the soft tissues of the chest (in this case, on the left), in which blood enters the muscles, sweats out its liquid part and deposits the fibrin protein, which the blood needs to ensure the clotting process. As a result of such impregnation of the muscles, their tone rises sharply, which causes pain syndrome, described as "in the muscles" or as "in the ribs", of varying intensity, which changes with movement.

All of the above diseases from the described group, there is pain in the ribs. This symptom will also be noted with pleurisy, pleural tumors and cardioneurosis. We will talk about diseases of the pleura a little lower.

When the cause is in the disease of one of the internal organs

Pain syndrome, localized near the heart, can be caused by pathology of the lungs and pleura, in which they are wrapped. It can occur as a result of diseases of the mediastinal organs - that complex of organs that is located between the two lungs, next to the heart. Diseases of the esophagus, stomach, gallbladder and liver can also cause pain resembling heart pain.

lung disease

1. Pneumonia. Most often, the area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe heart will hurt if an entire lobe (croupous pneumonia) of the lung is inflamed. Less often, "cardialgia" will be noted with pneumonia of a focal nature. The pain syndrome is stabbing in nature, aggravated by inhalation and coughing. In addition, there is fever, weakness, cough, nausea, lack of appetite.
2. Lung abscess. In this case, fever, lack of appetite, nausea, muscle and bone pain come to the fore. The pain syndrome to the left of the sternum differs in intensity, especially it increases if the abscess is about to break through into the bronchus. If the abscess is located near the chest wall, pain will increase when you press on the rib or intercostal space.
3. Pneumoconiosis is a chronic disease caused by the inhalation of industrial dust, which the lungs try to delimit from healthy areas with the help of connective tissue. As a result, the respiratory zones become smaller. The disease manifests itself as shortness of breath, cough, pain in the chest of a stabbing character, which radiates to the interscapular region and under the shoulder blade. The progression of the disease is characterized by fever up to 38 degrees, weakness, sweating, weight loss.
4. Tuberculosis of the lung. Chest pain in this case appears only when the specific inflammation characteristic of the tuberculous process extends to the pleura enveloping the lungs, or the chest wall (rib-muscular frame). Prior to this, attention is paid to weight loss, sweating, lack of appetite, increased fatigue, subfebrile temperature, cough. The pain syndrome is aggravated by breathing, coughing, pressing on the chest.
5. Tumor of the lung. There is constant pain of a different nature: aching, pressing, dull, burning or boring, aggravated by coughing and deep breathing. It can give to the shoulder, neck, head, stomach; may radiate to the right side or be encircling.
6. Pleurisy is an inflammation of the pleura, that is, the membrane that covers the lungs. It is almost always a complication of pneumonia, lung tissue tumors or injuries. If left-sided pleurisy develops, the pain syndrome can be localized in the region of the heart. It is associated with breathing, and is also aggravated by coughing. In addition, there is an increase in temperature, shortness of breath.
7. Pneumothorax. This is the name of the condition in which air enters between the pleura and the lung. It is incompressible, therefore, with an increase in its volume, it compresses the lung, and then the heart with blood vessels. The condition is dangerous, requires urgent hospitalization. Pathology is manifested by stabbing pain on the side of the lesion. She gives in the arm, neck, behind the sternum. Increases with breathing, coughing, movements. May be accompanied by fear of death.

Mediastinal pathologies

There are not very many of them:

• Pneumomediastinum (mediastinal emphysema) - air entering the fatty tissue, which is located around the heart and blood vessels. It occurs as a result of injury, damage during surgery or purulent fusion of air-containing tissues - the esophagus, trachea, bronchi or lungs. Symptoms: a feeling of pressure behind the sternum, difficulty breathing, shortness of breath.
• Embolism of the pulmonary artery. This is a life-threatening condition characterized by sudden, sharp pain behind the sternum, which is aggravated by taking a deep breath and coughing. Shortness of breath, palpitations, loss of consciousness are also noted.
• Tracheitis is an inflammation of the mucous membrane of the trachea. It is manifested by cough, dry burning pain behind the sternum.
• Spasm of the esophagus. The symptoms of this condition are difficult to distinguish from an attack of angina pectoris: the pain syndrome is localized behind the sternum, in the region of the heart and shoulder blade, and is relieved by nitroglycerin.

Diseases of the abdominal organs

The following pathologies can cause pain similar to heart:

1. Esophagitis is inflammation of the lining of the esophagus. It is characterized by a burning sensation behind the sternum, which is aggravated by swallowing especially hard, hot or cold food.
2. Achalasia cardia is the expansion of the esophageal opening of the stomach. Retrosternal pain syndrome is associated with food intake. Heartburn and nausea are also noted.
3. Hernia of the esophageal opening of the diaphragm. Pain syndrome appears or intensifies after eating, as well as in a horizontal position. The pain goes away with a change in body position.
4. Peptic ulcer of the stomach or duodenum. The pain in this case either occurs on an empty stomach, or 1-2 hours after eating. Heartburn is also noted.
5. Exacerbation of chronic cholecystitis is most often accompanied by pain under the ribs on the right, but can also be given to the left half of the chest. In addition, there is bitterness in the mouth, loosening of the stool.
6. Aggravation chronic pancreatitis if the inflammation is localized in the tail of the pancreas, in addition to nausea, vomiting and loosening of the stool, it is accompanied by pain in the left side of the chest.

Diagnosis depending on the characteristics of pain

We examined pathologies that cause pain syndrome localized in the left half of the chest. Now let's look at what pain each of them gives.

It's a dull pain

Aching pain is typical for:

• angina;
• myocarditis;
• cardioneurosis;
• peptic ulcer of the stomach and duodenum;
• scoliosis;
• osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine;
• exacerbation of pancreatitis.

The stabbing nature of the pain syndrome

Stinging pain occurs when:

• myocardial infarction;
• pericarditis;
• cardioneurosis;
• hypertrophic cardiomyopathy;
• neurocirculatory dystonia;
• intercostal neuralgia;
• pneumonia;
• pleurisy;
• tuberculosis;
• shingles;
• cancer of the lung or bronchus.

Pressing character

Pressing pain can be a manifestation of:

• angina;
• myocarditis;
• mitral valve prolapse;
• pericarditis;
• foreign body of the esophagus (in this case, the fact of swallowing some inedible object, for example, a fish bone is noted);
• cardiomyopathy;
• myocardial dystrophy;
• heart tumors (eg, myxoma);
• poisoning with drugs, alcohol, drugs, phosphorus-organic compounds, poisons. In this case, there is the fact of taking drugs, alcohol, treating plants from pests, and so on;
• ulcers in the stomach at the junction with the esophagus.

If the nature of the pain is sharp

The word "sharp pain" is usually used only to describe myocardial infarction. In addition to cardialgia of a similar nature, there is a general deterioration in the condition, cold sweat, fainting, heart rhythm disturbance. Irradiation of cardialgia - in the left shoulder blade, arm.

If the pain feels like "severe"

Severe pain occurs when:

• myocardial infarction;
• osteochondrosis of the cervical and thoracic regions;
• intercostal neuralgia, especially caused by herpes zoster;
• thromboembolism of the pulmonary artery;
• rupture of a dissecting aortic aneurysm;
• myocarditis.

Pain is felt all the time or most of the time

Constant pain is characteristic of osteochondrosis. At the same time, there is no deterioration in the condition, but “goosebumps” and numbness in the left hand, a decrease in its strength, may be noted. A similar complaint is described and pericarditis - inflammation of the outer shell of the heart - the heart bag. It is also characterized by general malaise and fever. Pericarditis can also be a source of frequent pain that goes away from time to time. This is how you can describe the pain syndrome with menopause or anxiety disorders.

Pain syndrome of blunt character

If a dull pain is felt in the region of the heart, it may be:

• anterior chest wall syndrome;
• arterial hypertension (in this case, high blood pressure is recorded);
• overload of the intercostal muscles, for example, during very active physical training or playing wind instruments for a long time.

Sharp pain in the region of the heart

Acute pain is observed with pleurisy or pericarditis. Both diseases are characterized by fever and weakness.

Nagging pain

It is typical for:

• thrombosis;
• neuro-circulatory dystonia;
• angina;
• osteochondrosis;
• diseases of the gastrointestinal tract.

Pain syndrome of a burning character

Such a symptom is noted with myocardial infarction, in which case there will be a sharp deterioration in the condition, there may be clouding of consciousness due to pain shock. Pain in neurosis is described in the same way, when psycho-emotional disorders come to the fore.

Diagnosis depending on the conditions for the occurrence of pain syndrome and associated symptoms

Consider additional characteristics of the pain syndrome:

1. If the pain radiates to the shoulder blade, it can be: angina pectoris, spasm of the esophagus, myocardial infarction, cardioneurosis.
2. When the pain increases with inspiration, this indicates: intercostal neuralgia, pleurisy or myositis of the intercostal muscles. When the intensity of the pain syndrome increases with a deep breath, it can be: pneumonia or pulmonary embolism. In both cases, there is a deterioration in the general condition, but with inflammation of the lungs this happens gradually, and with PE, the count goes on for minutes.
3. If the pain syndrome increases with movement, this may be a sign of osteochondrosis of the cervical or thoracic region.
4. When arm radiating pain appears, a person may have one of the following conditions:
   • osteochondrosis;
   • myositis of the intercostal muscles on the left side;
   • myocardial infarction;
   • angina;
   • interscapular pain syndrome;
   • endocarditis;
   • pneumothorax.
5. When the pain syndrome is accompanied by shortness of breath:
   • myocardial infarction;
   • pneumothorax;
   • pulmonary embolism;
   • pneumonia;
   • ruptured aortic aneurysm.
6. If both weakness and pain in the region of the heart appear, it may be tuberculosis, pleurisy, pericarditis, dissecting aortic aneurysm, pneumonia.
7. The combination "pain + dizziness" is typical for:
   • mitral valve prolapse;
   • cardiomyopathy;
   • cardioneurosis;
   • osteochondrosis or hernia of the cervical region, accompanied by compression of the vertebral artery.

What to do with cardialgia

If you have pain in the heart area, what to do:

• Stop performing any action, take a semi-lying position, put your legs just below the body (if there is dizziness - above the position of the body).
• Unfasten all interfering clothes, ask to open the windows.
• If the pain is similar to that described for angina pectoris, take "Nitroglycerin" under the tongue. If the syndrome is stopped by 1-2 tablets (they act within 1.5-3 minutes), on the same day or the next, contact a therapist to diagnose coronary heart disease and prescribe appropriate treatment. You can’t drink more pills - from them, among other things, the pressure decreases (P.S. headache after taking nitroglycerin - a normal phenomenon, it is removed by "Validol" or "Korvalment", which contain menthol).
• If nitroglycerin did not help, and at the same time there is difficulty in breathing, weakness, fainting, severe pallor - call an ambulance, be sure to indicate that there is pain in the heart. You can first drink an anesthetic tablet: Diclofenac, Analgin, Nimesil or another.
• If the pain in the region of the heart disappeared after you stopped, this condition requires an early diagnosis using an ECG and ultrasound of the heart. Not paying attention threatens to aggravate the situation with the development of heart failure.

Treatment is prescribed only by a doctor - based on the results of the examination. Self-medication is unacceptable, since the diseases manifested by this symptom are radically different. Self-medicating, for example, osteochondrosis, which actually turns out to be myocarditis, can lead to the development of heart failure, when any wrong movement will be accompanied by shortness of breath, a feeling of lack of air and swelling.

Thus, pain syndrome localized in the region of the heart can be caused not only by heart diseases. Much more often, its causes are pathologies of the ribs and intercostal muscles, spine, esophagus and stomach. In order to start moving towards a diagnosis, you need to state your complaints to the therapist. The doctor will either sort out the problem on his own, or refer you to the right specialist. This will be a better solution than to undergo examinations on your own, wasting time and money.

Chest pain on the left is a fairly common complaint with which thousands of men and women turn to doctors every day. Medical statistics states that such conditions most often cause malfunctions in the heart. However, not everything is so simple, these symptoms can provoke diseases of the respiratory or respiratory organs. digestive system.

Cardiovascular diseases

The absolute leaders in the number of deaths worldwide are diseases and pathologies of the organs of the cardiovascular system. They are divided into two broad categories:

• coronary;
• non-coronary.

infarction and ischemia. Arteries, which are called coronary arteries, are designed to supply blood to the heart muscle. Failures in work caused by various factors lead to the fact that the muscles of the main human organ cease to be fully enriched with oxygen.

Sometimes the vessels become clogged due to a strong accumulation of cholesterol in them, which leads to a violation of their patency. People at risk are:

• suffering from diabetes of various forms;
• suffering from arterial hypertension;
• having problems with being overweight;
• having congenital predispositions to diseases of the cardiovascular system, as well as smokers.

A heart attack can provoke pain that radiates to the region of the left arm, left shoulder, back, and abdominal cavity. In addition, these conditions may be aggravated by the presence of:

• vomiting;
• nausea;
• increased sweating;
• shortness of breath;
• heartburn;
• apathy;
• dizziness;
• discomfort in the abdomen.

Often, women during menopause become victims of such conditions. The hormonal balance changes, and a decrease in hormones provokes the occurrence of cardiovascular diseases. Ladies over forty should regularly take special medications, which are prescribed by a specialist in each case.

Non-coronary diseases are more insidious and more difficult to diagnose, especially in the early stages. This subgroup of diseases includes pericarditis, myocarditis, angina pectoris, neurocirculatory dystonia, etc.

Pericarditis. Very often it is he who causes a sharp, sharp pain in the chest on the left. By itself, the pericardium is designed to protect the heart from overexertion and promote natural filling with blood.

Painful conditions arise due to acute inflammatory processes in this organ. A sharp stabbing pain becomes stronger when inhaling, and against this background, a person may also experience:

• labored breathing;
• a sharp change in body temperature;
• fainting states.

Acute attacks of pain subside somewhat with various inclinations of the body.

angina pectoris- Another serious disease in which the heart muscle does not receive enough oxygen. This disease is characterized by constant acute pain against the background of a normal rhythm of the heart muscle. People very often notice that their chest is squeezed like a vise. An episodic outbreak of angina pectoris can occur during intense physical exertion. When the patient is at rest, the pain subsides.

At myocarditis the heart muscle is damaged. The chest aches and pulls, and patients complain of shortness of breath. Against this background, there are also pains in the joints, there is an increase in body temperature. People generally have a feeling that the heart stops.

aortic aneurysm considered a very serious and often fatal anomaly. In this case, there is an expansion of the walls in a certain part of the vessel. That is why they become so thin and vulnerable that even a slight blow, a strong emotional overstrain can provoke their rupture.

This gap causes truly unbearable pain. People often interpret them as aching, boring and pulsating. It feels like a fire is burning inside. The pain may radiate to the back and abdomen. Against the background of a ruptured aortic aneurysm, people develop:

• tachycardia;
• weakness;
• fainting states;
• blanching of the skin;
• dyspnea;
• cough;
• pain during swallowing.

The pressure also drops sharply, the person stops responding to questions.

Respiratory diseases

Chest pain on the left can provoke diseases of the respiratory organs, especially if the pleura or bronchi are affected.

The pleura is the membrane that covers the lungs big amount nerve endings. When the pleura becomes inflamed, severe pain occurs abruptly and it is localized in the place where, in fact, the pleura is affected.

Pleurisy. Its main symptom is a strong increase in pain when inhaling. Patients note its strengthening if they try to cough or scream. If you stop breathing, the pain subsides. Also, pain disappears if people instinctively tilt their torso to the healthy side. That is why patients suffering from such an ailment try to constantly be in a position in which the painful sensations recede. They also try to breathe often and shallowly. With this disease, there are often:

• a sharp increase in temperature in the evening;
• increased sweating;
• dyspnea;
• bluish skin;
• swelling of the neck veins.

Spontaneous pneumothorax- this is a condition in which air moves from the lung to the pleural region. The shell is irritated, and this causes an attack of stabbing and cutting pain. If you try to take a deep breath, then this further increases the pain syndrome. Very often, pain can radiate to the shoulder, neck or lower back.

In some cases, the pain is so severe that the person may lose consciousness. It becomes very difficult for people not only to move, but even to breathe. There is tachycardia. Painful sensations pass during the day, and breathing problems can occur only when trying to do some physical exertion.

Pulmonary embolism called a condition when there is a blockage of a blood vessel in the lung. If this happened on the left side, then in this condition, patients complain of a sudden sharp pain, which intensifies with a deep breath. People in this state begin to breathe shallowly and often. Against the background of such conditions, patients may develop a feeling of panic and anxiety, as well as dizziness and weakness up to fainting. Sometimes there are convulsions.

Emphysema may cause stitching pains in the chest on the left. This is a disease in which air bubbles begin to move into the chest area. Air begins to penetrate from the outside due to injuries of the esophagus or respiratory tract. In addition to stabbing pains, people have a feeling of squeezing the chest. Against the background of this state are noted:

• dyspnea;
• hoarse and nasal voice;
• the appearance of a cough;
• Pain may radiate to other areas.

Neurological ailments

Sharp cutting or, conversely, dull aching pain can provoke intercostal neuralgia. As the name implies, with this disease, the intercostal nerve endings begin to irritate. Sometimes this condition can be provoked by an uncomfortable posture during sleep or by careless movement during some kind of physical exertion.

The pain often occurs suddenly, aggravated by inhalation, gives under the ribs, but sometimes even with superficial frequent breathing, a person is haunted by unpleasant sensations. When trying sudden movements pain also increases. This condition is aggravated:

• tingling in the chest;
• uncontrolled muscle twitching;
• strong sweating.

Cardioneurosis. It can be provoked by a sharp stress or a series of stressful conditions. With this disease, dull aching pains in the left upper chest are often noted. Sometimes they are replaced by quite strong, but short-lived painful sensations. People with this diagnosis complain of:

• cardiopalmus;
• high blood pressure;
• causeless anxiety and worry.

Diseases and injuries of the spine

Osteochondrosis- one of the most common pathologies of the spine. With this disease, a degenerative process is observed, which leads to the destruction of the vertebral discs. Often the root cause of this disease is a sedentary lifestyle - excessive sitting at the computer, driving a car, etc. Also, the start for the development of the disease may be incorrect posture or overweight.

As a result, the nerve roots of the vertebrae are irritated and compressed, and blood circulation is disturbed. Pain can haunt a person constantly and intensify during movement.

At the beginning of the disease, chest pain does not appear, however, as it develops, people begin to complain of:

• discomfort during inhalation or exhalation;
• pain in the region of the heart;
• discomfort in the left hypochondrium;
• feeling of "cola" in the chest.

These pains or other discomforts can disturb people at night, causing signs of panic, as they sometimes resemble a myocardial infarction or angina pectoris. However, pain in osteochondrosis decreases dramatically if you do a little warm-up or change the position of the body.

In other cases, the cause of pain in the left side of the chest is trauma to the person. The danger of such a phenomenon lies in the fact that the very moment of impact can pass almost unnoticed, and only later manifest itself as chest pain of a aching nature. You can guess the presence of a hematoma if you touch the site of the bruise with your hand, in which case the discomfort will only intensify. Also, the pain may become more intense during movement or even during breathing.

Other reasons

In men and women, such pain can also occur due to various lesions of the digestive tract. Among the common reasons:

• Gastritis when the gastric mucosa is irritated (see also - symptoms of gastritis).
• Pathologies of the pancreas such as pancreatitis. In this case, against the background of aching pain, nausea appears.
• Problems with the spleen especially after her injury.
• stomach ulcer, in which pain extends to the left side of the chest, aggravated by nausea, vomiting or severe heartburn.

In addition, there are specific, so-called. "Female" causes of pain in the left side of the chest. These include:

• Mastopathy or benign growth of the mammary glands.
• Premenstrual syndrome, in which there is also excessive breast enlargement.
• iodine deficiency in organism.

In women, chest pains may not be symmetrical, but only on one side, for example, on the left. This may be a sign of the development of certain pathologies. If this phenomenon is noted constantly, an urgent consultation of a specialist is necessary.

How to understand what hurts behind the sternum (video)

Three tests for chest pain. Elena Malysheva and her colleagues will talk about them in detail. How a stress test is performed - ECG at rest and during exercise.

What to do and who to contact

First of all, with frequent or persistent pain in the left side of the chest, any self-diagnosis options should be completely excluded. These activities should be carried out only in a specialized medical institution.

To begin with, you should contact a general practitioner, and after examining and analyzing the patient's complaints, he can redirect him to other specialists - a cardiologist, neuropathologist, gastroenterologist, surgeon.

General diagnostic measures may include:

• radiography;
• electrocardiography;
• measurement of blood pressure;
• magnetic resonance imaging;
• study of pulmonary vessels;
• blood and urine tests with further research for the presence / absence of various inflammatory processes.

Only according to the results of a comprehensive study, the correct and adequate treatment can be prescribed.

In the future, after treatment, a person should follow the recommendations of his doctor. Must comply proper diet, which is assigned individually. In parallel, psychotherapy sessions can be prescribed if various mental disorders were the root cause of the ailments.

For various injuries or physical injuries, various physiotherapy procedures may be indicated in the future. Unconditional and necessary is the complete rejection of bad habits.

You should not postpone a visit to the doctor if you often have chest pains. Modern medicine has a fairly wide range of diagnostic measures to correctly identify such pain.

Everyone knows where the heart is located. Therefore, when pain appears in the left sternum, almost no one asks what it is, since the answer is ready in advance - this is the heart. But is it always so?

In order to understand what causes pain in the sternum on the left, you need to know what is there. In addition to the heart, in this area is the left main bronchus, which enters the left lung, and its membrane, rich in nerve endings. Also there is a part of the mediastinum, through which the nerves pass, large vessels, for example, the aorta. In addition to the heart, there is also its shell, called the pericardium, which is also rich in nerve endings. We should not forget about the fact that nerves and vessels pass between the ribs, and the ribs are also supported by the intercostal muscles.

The most common diseases that people die from are related to heart disease. These are mainly diseases caused by heart failure, such as various arrhythmias, angina pectoris, as well as myocarditis, pericarditis, endocarditis (but this is less common than the above diseases). All these pathologies can cause on the left, but the pain in each disease is different from each other. For example, with angina pectoris, the pain is compressive in nature and can radiate to the left arm or the left side of the neck, sometimes there is a feeling of numbness in the arm. The duration of pain in the left sternum does not exceed 15 - 20 minutes and it passes very quickly after taking nitroglycerin. With a heart attack, pain is located in the sternum on the left (but not always), but it is much stronger, sometimes reaching a shock of cardiac etiology. The patient may lose consciousness, the temperature may rise, severe sweating appears, pain also radiates to the left arm, left side of the neck and face. Such pain is not stopped by nitroglycerin, but needs strong analgesics and highly qualified assistance. But sometimes a heart attack, especially in older people, is manifested by much less symptoms, less severe pain, and sometimes even asymptomatically.

With pericarditis, pain appears depending on the rate of progression of the disease. Serous pericarditis is characterized by the accumulation of fluid in the space between the membranes of the pericardium, if this accumulation occurs slowly, then there may be no pain, or it is initially insignificant and increases as the disease progresses. The amount of liquid can reach 1 - 1.5 liters and even more. But if pericarditis appears spontaneously, as, for example, in cardiac tamponade, then the pain in the sternum on the left is acute, unbearable, does not go away after nitroglycerin.

It can also be a cause of pain in the left sternum. This applies to the left lung and its main bronchus. Bronchus can hurt acute bronchitis with a severe course, a tumor or some kind of foreign body may also be located there, which is very rare. The lungs give pain during pneumonia (pneumonia), when the pleura (lung membrane) is introduced into the inflammatory process, since the lungs do not have nerve endings and cannot hurt on their own, and the pleura is rich in them. In this case, the pain is located on the affected side, it increases with inspiration and is practically absent during respiratory arrest, so the patient tries to breathe on the opposite side. Among other diseases, there may be a tumor, tuberculosis, but pain in the sternum on the left will appear in cases where bronchi or pleura are introduced into the process. There are a number of diseases associated with the pleura: pneumothorax (air entering the pleurisy of various etiologies (pain intensity appears, as with pericarditis), empyema, etc. It should be remembered that pain in diseases of the lungs and pleura depends on the breathing process.

Very often, especially adolescents complain of acute pain in the sternum on the left, which is often associated with the inability to breathe. This frightens many, suggesting that it is some kind of heart disease, but in fact, very often it appears during times of stress, prolonged tension, or an incorrect position of the spine. This pain does not last long, often disappears on its own, after massage in this area or after sedatives. Sometimes the cause may be osteochondrosis in the thoracic spine. In such cases, more attention should be paid to this.

As you have already noticed, there are a lot of reasons for pain in the sternum on the left, and this is not the whole list of diseases. In any case, in order to find out the exact cause, you should consult a doctor to prevent serious consequences.

Causes of pain in the sternum on the left can occur due to a number of clear medical problems. Almost eighty percent of all cases are due to pathologists and heart disease. The causes of a serious condition can also be diseases of the digestive tract, respiratory system, diseases of the bones, muscles and skin. Only a qualified physician can determine the pain in the sternum on the left after a detailed examination and diagnosis.

Problems related to the functioning of the heart are classified into coronary and non-coronary types. Coronary abnormalities are ischemia and infarction. This type disease poses the greatest threat to human health and even life. If you experience symptoms that indicate a heart attack or ischemia, you should urgently seek the help of a doctor.

Attacks of ischemia and infarction

The coronary arteries supply blood to the heart muscle. Changes in its work (thrombus, severe obstruction of the vessel) lead to a sharp deterioration in the functioning of the body. The cells of the organ cannot be enriched with oxygen, so the muscles can atrophy. The best option The outcome of events can be pathological changes in the structure of the heart muscle.

Acute attacks of heart failure occur due to a number of heart conditions. The causes of the development of diseases of the cardiovascular system may lie in the excessive accumulation of cholesterol inside the coronary arteries. Blood clots can disrupt the patency of blood vessels, leading to an attack.

Risk factors for a heart attack include:

• diabetes;
• bad habits;
• genetic predisposition to diseases of the cardiovascular system;
• elevated blood cholesterol levels.

Women are at risk during menopause. A greater chance of surviving a heart attack occurs due to changes in the hormonal balance that is characteristic of menopause. A decrease in hormones increases the risk of diseases, so older women need to take special drugs that are prescribed by a doctor on an individual basis.

Symptoms of an attack

Usually pain during a heart attack is localized in the center and left side of the sternum. Pain can spread to the following parts of the body:

• left hand;
• left shoulder;
• jaw;
• abdominal region;
• back.

The danger of an attack lies in the fact that the symptoms for each person in this case are individual. Common symptoms for all can be:

• vomit;
• nausea;
• sweating;
• shortness of breath.

It is worth paying attention to the fact that symptoms may differ in women and men. The reasons for this lie in the difference in hormonal levels.

For women, the following symptoms are characteristic:

• heartburn;
• feeling of discomfort in the abdominal cavity;
• apathetic state;
• dizziness.

The list of diagnostic measures includes:

• palpation and examination of the sternum;
• research using an electrocardiogram;
• analysis of the number of enzymes that are involved in the formation of the heart muscle.

An ECG allows you to determine what type of blood vessels the patient has problems with, what are the reasons for this.

Non coronary heart disease

A characteristic feature of non-coronary diseases is the difficulty of diagnosing. Diseases are especially difficult to diagnose in the early stages. The complexity of research and prevention lies in the fact that modern medicine has so far little studied the nature of the problem and its causes. The group of diseases includes:

• pericarditis;
• arterial hypertension;
• myocarditis;
• cardiomyopathy;
• heart defects (congenital and acquired);
• mitral valve prolapse;
• neurocirculatory dystonia (including 4 types of cardialgia);
• angina.

The pericardium is a specific cardiac sac that envelops the heart, performing a number of protective functions. The pericardium limits the heart muscle from other internal organs that are located in the sternum. This organ prevents overstrain of the heart, and also contributes to normal blood filling.

The causes of the pericardium are as follows:

• chronic renal failure;
• incorrect approach to taking certain medications;
• viruses and infections;
• cancerous tumors;
• radiation therapy.

An attack occurs due to acute inflammation of this organ. Inactivity during an attack can lead to tamponade of the heart muscle, in this condition, fluid accumulates around the heart, which leads to a deterioration in cardiac activity. The symptoms of the condition are:

• loss of consciousness;
• acute pain in the chest area;
• labored breathing.

The main symptom of acute pericarditis is a stabbing pain that may increase with each breath. dangerous feature is that the symptoms of pericarditis often overlap with the manifestation of a heart attack. The pain may subside when bending the body. There may be pain in the throat when swallowing. The temperature changes rapidly, moving from upper to lower limits.

Causes of mitral valve prolapse

Prolapse is a disease that is caused by the pathology of the structure of the mitral valve. The valve is located between the ventricle and the left atrium, so the causes of the development of the disease can threaten a person's life.

Complications of the disease can be:

• violation of the general rhythm of the heart;
• infection of the heart valve;
• violation in the regulation of the mitral valve.

In some cases, this condition can lead to unexpected death. Any signs of the development of the disease is the reason to immediately contact qualified specialists.

angina pectoris

Angina is a condition in which the heart muscle receives a limited amount of oxygen. This is due to the pathological narrowing of blood vessels. Such changes in the blood supply reduce the amount of oxygen.

The acute form of angina pectoris is characterized by constant sharp pains that do not go away even with a normal rhythm of the heart muscle. Sudden episodic angina may occur with intense physical exertion. At rest, the pain subsides, and the heartbeat returns to normal.

Angina pectoris occurs when the heart's main artery becomes partially blocked, narrowed, or spasmed. The most common cause of angina pectoris is coronary heart disease, in which blood clots in atherosclerosis interfere with the free passage of blood vessels. The disease only partially blocks blood flow, but does not completely eliminate it. Arrhythmia, stress and heavy physical exertion can lead to a deterioration in the condition.

Symptoms of angina pectoris can often be compared to a heart attack, but the consequences of angina pectoris are not so dangerous. A person's condition returns to normal after rest, in the event of a heart attack, the structure of the heart muscle is not restored, which can lead to death.

Symptoms of the development of the disease are expressed in the appearance of severe pain in a state of calm. Not only the frequency increases, but also the intensity of heart contractions. To reduce the manifestation of symptoms, you can use three tablets of nitroglycerin, which must be taken at regular intervals.

Diagnosis of angina pectoris can be carried out with complete sedation. Only after the condition improves, it is possible to conduct an analysis for the content of enzymes in the blood. An electrocardiogram can show certain changes in the functioning of the heart muscle, but such symptoms can be cured. in a simple way subsequently.

Aneurysms

The aorta is the main link between the lungs and the internal organs of a person. Aneurysms are situations in which there is a rupture of the membrane of this vessel. The disease inevitably leads to serious bleeding, the main blow in this case is taken by the heart and abdominal cavity. About thirty percent of patients survive after such a serious rupture of the internal organ.

Aortic dissection can be caused by:

• excessively high chronic pressure;
• heart defects;
• pregnancy;
• ruptures of the internal connective tissue;
• taking drugs without the appointment of a qualified physician;
• elderly age;
• genetic predisposition to heart disease.

Symptoms of the disease quickly manifest themselves, causing severe chest pain. Pain can be given in the back or in the area of ​​​​the shoulder blades. The aorta is the main artery that delivers oxygen with blood to all vital organs, so symptoms may include:

• intermittent pain, characteristic of the state of angina pectoris;
• fainting states;
• pain in the abdominal part;
• dyspnea;
• loss of motor functions of one side of the body;
• numbness of the tongue and limbs.

Digestive ailments that can cause chest pain

Often, changes in the work of the digestive tract can lead to pain in the left chest. Most often, the cause is heartburn, in some cases the symptoms may resemble a heart attack, but this possibility is in fact excluded.

Acid reflux (heartburn) occurs for a number of reasons:

• increased acidity;
• excessive use of writing;
• ailments of the gastrointestinal tract;
• a change in the functionality of the sphincter, which is located inside the stomach;
• scleroderma;
• diabetes diabetes.

Symptoms of heartburn are:

• persistent dry cough;
• hoarseness;
• sharp pain in the left chest;
• neck, back and chest pain;
• pain during the process of swallowing food;
• active salivation;
• blood loss in the esophagus;
• chest pressure;
• discomfort in the chest area;
• pale skin;
• excessive sweating;
• sore throat;
• vomiting and nausea;
• acid or bitter taste in the mouth.

Pain in the left side of the chest, which are provoked by diseases of the respiratory system

The diseases in this group include:

• pulmonary embolism (thrombosis of an artery);
• spontaneous pneumothorax;
• pneumonia.

Pulmonary embolism is characterized by the presence of a blood clot in one of the main arteries of the heart. The vessel provides the lungs with oxygen, so the appearance of a blood clot can be fatal. Risk factors include:

• cancerous tumors;
• excessive fullness, obesity of internal organs;
• fractures of the tibia;
• minimal body activity;
• pregnancy;
• genetic predisposition to the development of the disease;
• development of arrhythmia;
• transferred heart attacks;
• persistent heart failure.

It is worth paying attention to the fact that this disease is not associated with diseases of the cardiovascular system. Women who smoke and use hormonal contraceptives are the first to fall into the risk group. This combination is especially dangerous for women whose age exceeds thirty-five years.

The symptoms of the disease are:

• rapid breathing;
• severe difficulty in breathing;
• sharp pain in the center of the sternum, which increases with each breath.

Diagnostic procedures include:

• conducting an electrocardiogram;
• a detailed description of the symptoms and their comparison;
• checking the condition of the chest on an x-ray;
• conducting a blood test to determine the amount of oxygen;
• CT scan.

Pneumonia as a cause of chest pain

Pneumonia is an infectious disease of the respiratory tract that is caused by inflammation of the lining of the lungs. The causes of the development of the disease can be:

• viral infection;
• bacterial infection;
• fungal infection.

Severe pain in pneumonia occurs with a long intermittent cough, as well as a deep breath. The most common is unilateral chest pain.

Side symptoms are:

• mucous secretions from the lungs;
• decrease in respiratory functions;
• increase in body temperature.

Diagnosis can be made with a statoscope, a chest x-ray, and a physical examination of the patient. Timely detection of the fact of the disease can save a person from serious consequences and constant pain in the sternum area.

Even a patient taking medications needs constant medical supervision. Modern antibiotics help to quickly get rid of inflammation and symptoms of the disease. The acute form of pneumonia is always accompanied by pain in the chest area. In severe cases, doctors prescribe painkillers that can greatly alleviate suffering during the illness.

Often, people with pneumonia are hospitalized in a medical facility, where they constantly arrive under the supervision of specialists. Complications after pneumonia can be very diverse.

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Pain in the left side of the chest

Pain in the left chest can occur with various heart diseases. The strength and duration of pain in each disease will be different. With coronary disease, the pain is compressive, pressing, lasts about 5 to 15 minutes. The pain spreads to the region of the left shoulder or arm, sometimes reaching the little finger. In this case, the pain is caused by vasospasm.

Strong mental or physical overexcitation can cause an attack of angina pectoris, which will also give pain to the left chest. If angina pectoris is ignored and left untreated, over time it can lead to a myocardial infarction, in which the pain is longer and more severe. A nitroglycerin tablet will help relieve attacks with angina pectoris.

Cardioneurosis is another disease in which there is pain in the left side of the chest. As a rule, the pain is aching, long-lasting in the upper chest.

Pain in the left side of the chest can be caused by inflammation of the heart membrane - endocardium (internal), pericardium (external), myocardium (middle). Inflammation can be developed due to an infectious disease (tonsillitis, rheumatism), poisoning. Heart pain usually appears a few weeks after recovery.

Pain in the left side of the chest

Pain in the left chest is sometimes difficult to diagnose, even for a good doctor, therefore, with pain in the left side of the chest, additional examinations and tests are prescribed.

Pain on the left side of the chest can be caused by heart disease, diseases of the respiratory system, digestive system, spine, central nervous system. All internal organs in the human body are connected with nerve endings, the basis of which is located in the spinal cord. The nerve trunk near the chest branches to individual organs, so quite often stomach diseases give pain to the heart area.

Also, pain in the left chest can be triggered by the central nervous system - regular stress, mental stress lead to malfunctions in the heart. Neuroses that often occur against this background can be manifested by pain in the left side of the chest.

Some pains in the left side of the chest do not pose a danger to life, although they are unpleasant. But in other cases, a person’s life depends on a timely diagnosis and treatment, therefore, if pain occurs in the left side of the chest, you should immediately seek the advice of a doctor.

Left chest pain

Pain in the left chest can occur as a result of a heart attack, however, as practice shows, this happens only in 20% of cases. Cardiovascular diseases the most dangerous. Failures in the work of the heart lead to various diseases, there are quite a large number of them, but the main types are distinguished: coronary and non-coronary diseases. The greatest danger is coronary heart disease, these include ischemic disease, acute myocardial infarction. Such severe diseases without appropriate treatment can lead to death of a person.

Non-coronary diseases include various heart defects, both congenital and acquired, as well as tumors, amyloidosis, hemochromatosis, etc.

How does pain in the left chest manifest itself?

Pain in the left chest, which manifests itself quite sharply, is accompanied by a feeling of suffocation, speaks of rather severe heart diseases, in this case it is impossible to delay visiting a doctor.

The pain caused by an attack of angina pectoris begins suddenly (most often occurs after physical exertion), has a pressing or burning character, pain can be given to the left arm, neck, jaw. With osteochondrosis, pain can also radiate to the arm.

Shooting pains testify mainly to nervous diseases.

Pain that radiates to the back or shoulder blades, sharp, severe, can be caused by rupture of the esophagus, aorta, etc. The person in this case feels like a “gap” inside the chest.

Aching pain in left chest

Aching pain in the left breast can be felt during hormonal changes in adolescence or menopause, as well as disorders in the work of the endocrine glands (thyroid gland).

In adolescence, hormonal changes are caused by increased production of sex hormones, which form an adult from a child (secondary sexual characteristics, distribution of fatty tissue, body hair, etc.). A rapid change in the body affects the state of internal organs, especially the heart. During this period, even minor disturbances in the work of the heart muscle or nervous system can be manifested by aching pains in the region of the heart. They can manifest themselves in different ways: constantly, periodically, strongly or moderately. There is a close connection with the nervous system: heavy psychological stress, stress increase pain in the left chest. In most cases, the pain goes away on its own when adolescence ends. In such conditions, the child is recommended sedatives, healthy eating, moderate physical activity, vitamin complexes.

With menopause, there is a decrease in the production of sex hormones, which naturally affects the work of internal organs. During this period, the central nervous system experiences an increased load, which leads to insomnia, stress, flushing, sweating, high pressure etc. Many women with menopause begin to experience aching pains on the left side of the chest, which can intensify with psycho-emotional or physical stress. As a rule, after the establishment of the hormonal background, the pain disappears, but a doctor's consultation is necessary to rule out severe heart disease.

Dysfunction of the thyroid gland also affects the work of all internal organs, especially the heart suffers with increased thyroid function. Hormones produced by the thyroid gland cause the heart to beat faster. With increased work of the thyroid gland (hyperthyroidism), a person may experience aching pains on the left side of the chest, there may also be rhythm disturbances, tachycardia.

Aching pains can also talk about a number of other serious diseases, such as inflammation of the heart muscle, after suffering a sore throat. In any case, if pain occurs on the left side of the chest, a doctor's consultation is necessary.

Sharp pain in left chest

A sharp pain in the left chest, which cannot be relieved by pills (validol, nitroglycerin), it lasts more than half an hour, usually indicates a myocardial infarction. A heart attack is a consequence of neglected angina pectoris, increased stress on the heart, arrhythmias. Sharp pain also occurs with angina pectoris, but in this case, the attack can be relieved by taking medication. However, in some cases, with a heart attack, there may be moderate pain, in which a person can suffer a heart attack “on his feet”.

Sharp pains can also occur with pinched nerves, rupture of internal organs, with neuralgic diseases, etc.

Sudden pain in the left chest prevents a person from moving, any attempts to raise or lower his arms, turn around, take a step lead to a sharp pain, often it becomes difficult for a person to breathe, shortness of breath appears. Pain can pierce the arm, neck, give to the back (in the area between the shoulder blades).

If you experience sharp pains in the left side of the chest, you must lie down, take a pill (valerian, validol, nitroglycerin) and call an ambulance.

Sharp chest pains can appear in women. In this case, you need to urgently seek the advice of a mammologist and undergo an additional examination. This is how mastopathy can manifest itself at a later stage, when nodules, cysts appear (fibrocystic mastopathy). Mastopathy is a good background for the development of malignant tumors, but, usually, cancerous growths proceed painlessly, severe pain appears already in the later stages.

Stitching pain in left chest

Stitching pain in the left chest can be caused by changes in the heart or in other organs. Angio pain indicates a violation of myocardial blood flow, the nature of the pain is paroxysmal, aggravated after emotional or physical exertion, may be accompanied by respiratory failure (shortness of breath), and may radiate to the shoulder, arm. To reduce pain, you must first calm down, take medicine. If the pain is too severe and medicines do not help to reduce it, you need to urgently call an ambulance.

With rheumatic heart disease, inflammation of the heart muscle, the pain has a prolonged stabbing character, which is aggravated by coughing, an attempt to take a deep breath. In this case, painkillers will help to slightly improve the condition.

Stitching pains in the left side of the chest can be caused by non-cardiac disorders. Diseases of the digestive system, intestines can also provoke stabbing pains in the region of the heart. Severe depressive states, neuroses can provoke pain in the left chest of this nature. Osteochondrosis and scoliosis of the thoracic region causes a tingling sensation in the left side of the chest.

Quite often, panic is caused by stabbing pain when inhaling, but most often the cause of this is intercostal neuralgia, and not heart problems. With this disease, pain sensations are aggravated by hand movements, bending over, etc. Short shooting pains can develop against the background of pneumonia, pleurisy, fractured ribs, etc.

When complaining of stabbing pains, the doctor usually assumes cardiac neurosis - one of the manifestations of vegetovascular dystonia. With such a diagnosis, you need, first of all, to pay attention to your nervous system.

Dull pain in left chest

Dull pain in the left chest may be related to pericarditis. The pain is usually permanent, in rare cases the pain can be severe and sharp. Pericarditis is an inflammation of the "heart sac", a special membrane that holds the heart in the correct position.

Very severe dull pain along the spine, accompanied by weakness, occurs with a dissecting aneurysm of the thoracic aorta. Dull pain in the depth of the chest develops with blockage of the pulmonary artery.

Chronic disease of the pancreas is accompanied by dull pain on the left side.

Cancers that develop in the left side of the breast (lung, stomach, etc.) can cause severe pain in the later stages.

With the appearance of dull pain, you should immediately stop any load, in particular walking. If possible, lie down last resort, sit down, take a nitroglycerin tablet and call an ambulance. There is no need to get to the clinic on your own or postpone the visit to the doctor for an indefinite period, since we are talking about life.

Drawing pain in left chest

Pulling pain in the left breast in women can be for several reasons. First of all, this is a manifestation of mastopathy, directly related to the menstrual cycle. But, as a rule, painful sensations should be present in both breasts, besides, in addition to pain, there is engorgement, slight swelling of the mammary glands.

Unilateral pulling pains may appear with osteochondrosis of the thoracic region. With thoracic osteochondrosis, a change in the intervertebral discs occurs. The cause of such pathological changes may be improper load, metabolic disorders. Usually, thoracic osteochondrosis develops from sitting in an uncomfortable position for too long, for example, in the office, driving, and also with scoliosis, when the load on the spine is uneven.

Aching pain under left breast

Aching pain under the left breast occurs with an enlarged spleen, gastritis, stomach cancer, peptic ulcer, diaphragmatic hernia, myocardial ischemia, acute heart attack. Also provoke pain under the breast neurological diseases (intercostal neuralgia), intervertebral hernia.

With some diseases of the stomach, aching pain appears in the left side of the chest - gastritis, peptic ulcer of a neoplasm in the stomach. Such pains on the left side may indicate the onset of an inflammatory process in the pancreas - pancreatitis.

Antacids, which are usually prescribed for gastrointestinal diseases, slightly reduce pain.

Tingling, aching pain in the left chest, which lasts for a long time, appears at rest or after unrest, can be the cause of dysfunction of the autonomic system, nervous breakdowns.

Severe pain in left chest

Severe pain in the left chest that appears suddenly, accompanied by a feeling of suffocation, shortness of breath may indicate serious heart disease that requires urgent medical attention.

Severe, shooting pain may accompany diseases of a neuralgic nature (herpes zoster, neuralgic diseases, etc.).

A rupture of the esophagus is accompanied by very severe pain in the chest, usually this happens with severe vomiting, the pain can radiate to the back.

Also, a sharp severe pain occurs when an aortic aneurysm ruptures, a person feels pain in the abdomen, between the shoulder blades, severe weakness (often a person loses consciousness).

Pain from the left side of the chest can provoke vegetative-vascular dystonia. In this disease, the pain can be of a different nature, usually the pain is very similar to serious heart diseases, for example, heart attack, angina pectoris, with the only difference being that the attacks of pain in VVD do not develop from physical activity, but by taking medications from the heart (validol, nitroglycerin ) does not give the desired effect.

Stitching pain under left breast

Pain under the left breast, stabbing, which occurs periodically or is permanent, may indicate a pinched nerve, with intercostal neuralgia. The causes of neuralgia are varied, it can develop as a result of injuries, with diseases of the nervous system, from the effects of heavy metals, toxins, certain drugs, with allergies, with weakened immunity, with pathologies of the spine (congenital or acquired). Also, intercostal neuralgia develops against the background of cardiovascular diseases (anemia, hypertension, atherosclerosis), due to which insufficient oxygen is supplied to the nerves.

The cause of neuralgic diseases can be excessive alcohol consumption, diabetes mellitus, with peptic ulcer, gastritis, colitis, hepatitis (from diseases in which metabolism in nerve tissues is disturbed). Subject to intercostal neuralgia, as a rule, older people, when there are physiological age-related changes in the vessels.

Since nerve endings are located throughout the body, intercostal neuralgia manifests itself exactly like some diseases of the heart, lungs, and other internal organs. Therefore, pain in the left chest with neuralgia can be taken as a manifestation of more serious illnesses, and vice versa, some doctors inadvertently diagnose intercostal neuralgia with more serious pathologies.

Sharp pain in left chest

Acute pain in the left chest, which occurs suddenly, indicates a serious disease in the chest. With such pain, they often turn to a doctor, in most cases a person needs urgent medical care. An attack of acute pain may be the first and early symptom to which the physician should pay priority attention. Patients with acute pain need to be examined more carefully in order to make the correct diagnosis and provide timely assistance.

The main cause of acute pain in the left chest can be:

• heart disease (pericarditis, angina pectoris, heart attack, etc.),
• vascular diseases (dissection of an aortic aneurysm, pulmonary embolism),
• diseases of the respiratory system (pneumonia, spontaneous pneumothorax, pleurisy),
• diseases of the gastrointestinal tract (ulcer, diaphragmatic diaphragm, esophagitis),
• diseases of the musculoskeletal system (chest injury, osteochondrosis, sciatica of the thoracic region),
• diseases of a neuralgic nature (neurosis, herpes zoster).

Burning pain in left chest

Burning pain in the left chest, which squeezes, tears the chest, is the first sign of a heart attack. Pain can occur after heavy exertion or at rest, manifests itself as an attack, which can be repeated over time. Painful sensations are concentrated behind the chest, can spread to the entire chest, give to the shoulder blade (shoulder blades), left arm (both arms), back, neck. The duration of pain in a heart attack can range from 20 minutes to several days. Usually pain is the only symptom of the disease, ECG changes develop much later. Often burning pain in the left chest is accompanied by shortness of breath, vomiting or nausea, weakness, profuse sweating, rapid heartbeat, fear of death. With a heart attack, repeated administration of nitroglycerin does not bring positive result narcotic analgesics are needed to relieve pain.

Disease of the endocrine system can be manifested by burning pain in the left side of the chest. Usually autonomic crises develop in women aged 20 to 40 years.

Burning pain in the chest may appear in the later stages of inflammatory cancer, along with pain, redness, swelling, and sagging of the skin appear.

Sharp pain under left breast

A sharp pain under the left breast occurs unexpectedly, usually a person catches his breath, it is extremely difficult for him to make even the slightest movement. With a sharp pain, usually, a person freezes, tries not to breathe deeply.

Under the left breast is the spleen, which is located very close to the surface. Some diseases can cause this organ to enlarge, which can cause sharp pain in this area. Excessively large sizes of the spleen can provoke its rupture, in this case, in addition to severe sharp pain, a person has cyanosis in the navel due to accumulations of blood. The spleen can also rupture due to injuries of the abdomen, from an inflammatory process in it, as a result of a heart attack.

Some diseases of the stomach can cause sharp pain in the left side, sometimes nausea or vomiting occurs. A sharp pain in the left chest can signal an attack of acute pancreatitis, which is also characterized by nausea, vomiting, and fever.

Sharp pain under left breast

A rather rare disease - dissection of an aortic aneurysm, can cause acute pain below the left breast. This disease develops against the background of severe physical or emotional stress, pain from the lower chest spreads along the spine, abdomen, and can radiate to the legs. Pain during dissection of the aneurysm is very strong, tearing the chest, the duration can be from several minutes to several days. As a rule, reduce pain with narcotic analgesics.

If acute pain in the left chest appears during breathing, it may be a lung disease - pleuropneumonia, pulmonary infarction. With these diseases, the pleura is strongly irritated, which leads to pain when breathing, coughing. As a rule, in such diseases, pain is the only symptom that matters to the patient, all other manifestations of the disease recede into the background. With pneumonia, which has an abscessing character, there are very strong sharp pains in the chest area.

Some diseases of the esophagus - mucosal damage, cancer, ulcerative esophagitis - cause pain when swallowing, which can be aggravated by the passage of food. Spasm of the esophagus in this case can be removed with antispasmodic drugs. Acute pain in the left breast after eating may occur with diaphragmatic hernia. With such a disease characteristic feature is that the pain disappears in a standing position, and sitting or lying down, the pain is more pronounced. As a rule, with a diaphragmatic hernia, there is increased salivation, heartburn. Often, pain in the left chest with esophageal disease or hernia resembles angina attacks.

Acute pain under the left breast during movement (turns, tilts) may be a manifestation of thoracic sciatica. Taking heart medications does not improve the condition, but painkillers are quite effective in this case.

An attack of acute pain causes a disease of a neuralgic nature - herpes zoster or lichen. Soreness in some cases is so severe that a person cannot sleep normally, repeated analgesics do not bring relief. Acute pain in shingles is the first symptom, which appears somewhat earlier than the characteristic rash on the body.

Severe pain under left breast

A severe attack of pain under the left breast occurs with diaphragmatic hernia. The diaphragm muscle is located on top of the abdominal cavity and separates the peritoneum from the thoracic region. The opening in the diaphragm through which the esophagus passes may widen due to the weakening of the diaphragm, leading to entry into the thoracic esophagus and part of the stomach.

Weakening of the diaphragmatic muscle can occur from heavy physical exertion, with obesity, age-related changes, and sometimes develops against the background of pregnancy.

Severe pain in the left breast or under it may be associated with diseases of the nervous system. With lesions of the nervous system, the symptoms can be unexpected - pain in the left side of the chest, under the ribs, in the middle of the abdomen can accompany a fairly rare disease - abdominal migraine. Children and adolescents are most susceptible to this disease, in rare cases, adults under forty years of age. The pain has a paroxysmal character, nausea, vomiting, pallor of the skin, cramps in the abdominal region often begin. Severe pain may also be a sign of some form of epilepsy.

Dull pain under left breast

Dull pain under the left breast is very often ignored by the person himself. Dull pain is a certain distribution over a certain part of the body, for example, on the left side, in the chest area. No matter how much dull pain manifests itself, it can be endured, and a visit to the doctor can be delayed. Usually this attitude leads to an unfavorable outcome.

When a dull pain appears, you must immediately stop any movements, you need to take a comfortable position (it is best to lie down), take nitroglycerin or validol. If a dull pain in the left chest (under it) worries people with coronary disease, it is important to control the level of cholesterol in the blood, stick to a diet.

Dull, nagging pain can be a sign of an enlarged spleen, diseases of the digestive system. Usually dull pain occurs with acute or chronic diseases of the internal organs, injuries, postoperative complications. With stomach cancer, both aching dull pain and sharp pain, which manifests itself quite strongly, is possible.

Pain on the side of the left chest

Pain on the side of the left chest should suggest heart disease. Pain in the left chest can be caused by an acute heart attack, an attack of angina pectoris, pericarditis, left-sided pneumonia, etc. Various pathological processes develop in the heart due to infectious diseases(rheumatism, purulent tonsillitis, etc.).

A fairly common cause of pain in the left side of the chest is vegetative-vascular dystonia. This disease is characterized by pains of a very different nature, which are most often similar to serious heart diseases. For example, with VSD, the pain can be exactly the same as with an acute heart attack. But with VVD, pain in the chest is not associated with physical or emotional overstrain, and there is also no effect from taking heart medications.

Pain on the left side of the chest is one of the most common reasons for seeking medical attention. But by the nature of the pain (dull, aching, acute, etc.), it is impossible to make an accurate diagnosis. A more thorough examination and additional tests will be required, as well as a study of the patient's history (previous diseases, lifestyle, injuries, etc.).

Not always pain from the left side of the chest is associated with the heart. Very often, the feeling of pain in the region of the heart has nothing to do with the latter. Pain in the left chest can be provoked by various diseases of internal organs and systems - diseases of the pancreas, spleen, stomach, etc.

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Cardiovascular diseases

The absolute leaders in the number of deaths worldwide are diseases and pathologies of the organs of the cardiovascular system. They are divided into two broad categories:

• coronary;
• non-coronary.

infarction and ischemia. Arteries, which are called coronary arteries, are designed to supply blood to the heart muscle. Failures in work caused by various factors lead to the fact that the muscles of the main human organ cease to be fully enriched with oxygen.

Sometimes the vessels become clogged due to a strong accumulation of cholesterol in them, which leads to a violation of their patency. People at risk are:

• suffering from diabetes of various forms;
• suffering from arterial hypertension;
• having problems with being overweight;
• having congenital predispositions to diseases of the cardiovascular system, as well as smokers.

A heart attack can provoke pain that radiates to the region of the left arm, left shoulder, back, and abdominal cavity. In addition, these conditions may be aggravated by the presence of:

• vomiting;
• nausea;
• increased sweating;
• shortness of breath;
• heartburn;
• apathy;
• dizziness;
• discomfort in the abdomen.

Often, women during menopause become victims of such conditions. The hormonal balance changes, and a decrease in hormones provokes the occurrence of cardiovascular diseases. Ladies over forty should regularly take special medications, which are prescribed by a specialist in each case.

Non-coronary diseases are more insidious and more difficult to diagnose, especially in the early stages. This subgroup of diseases includes pericarditis, myocarditis, angina pectoris, neurocirculatory dystonia, etc.

Pericarditis. Very often it is he who causes a sharp, sharp pain in the chest on the left. By itself, the pericardium is designed to protect the heart from overexertion and promote natural filling with blood.

Painful conditions arise due to acute inflammatory processes in this organ. A sharp stabbing pain becomes stronger when inhaling, and against this background, a person may also experience:

• labored breathing;
• a sharp change in body temperature;
• fainting states.

Acute attacks of pain subside somewhat with various inclinations of the body.

angina pectoris- Another serious disease in which the heart muscle does not receive enough oxygen. This disease is characterized by constant acute pain against the background of a normal rhythm of the heart muscle. People very often notice that their chest is squeezed like a vise. An episodic outbreak of angina pectoris can occur during intense physical exertion. When the patient is at rest, the pain subsides.

At myocarditis the heart muscle is damaged. The chest aches and pulls, and patients complain of shortness of breath. Against this background, there are also pains in the joints, there is an increase in body temperature. People generally have a feeling that the heart stops.

aortic aneurysm considered a very serious and often fatal anomaly. In this case, there is an expansion of the walls in a certain part of the vessel. That is why they become so thin and vulnerable that even a slight blow, a strong emotional overstrain can provoke their rupture.

This gap causes truly unbearable pain. People often interpret them as aching, boring and pulsating. It feels like a fire is burning inside. The pain may radiate to the back and abdomen. Against the background of a ruptured aortic aneurysm, people develop:

• tachycardia;
• weakness;
• fainting states;
• blanching of the skin;
• dyspnea;
• cough;
• pain during swallowing.

The pressure also drops sharply, the person stops responding to questions.

Respiratory diseases

Chest pain on the left can provoke diseases of the respiratory organs, especially if the pleura or bronchi are affected.

The pleura is a membrane that covers the lungs with a large number of nerve endings. When the pleura becomes inflamed, severe pain occurs abruptly and it is localized in the place where, in fact, the pleura is affected.

Pleurisy. Its main symptom is a strong increase in pain when inhaling. Patients note its strengthening if they try to cough or scream. If you stop breathing, the pain subsides. Also, pain disappears if people instinctively tilt their torso to the healthy side. That is why patients suffering from such an ailment try to constantly be in a position in which the painful sensations recede. They also try to breathe often and shallowly. With this disease, there are often:

• a sharp increase in temperature in the evening;
• increased sweating;
• dyspnea;
• bluish skin;
• swelling of the neck veins.

Spontaneous pneumothorax- this is a condition in which air moves from the lung to the pleural region. The shell is irritated, and this causes an attack of stabbing and cutting pain. If you try to take a deep breath, then this further increases the pain syndrome. Very often, pain can radiate to the shoulder, neck or lower back.

In some cases, the pain is so severe that the person may lose consciousness. It becomes very difficult for people not only to move, but even to breathe. There is tachycardia. Painful sensations pass during the day, and breathing problems can occur only when trying to do some physical exertion.

Pulmonary embolism called a condition when there is a blockage of a blood vessel in the lung. If this happened on the left side, then in this condition, patients complain of a sudden sharp pain, which intensifies with a deep breath. People in this state begin to breathe shallowly and often. Against the background of such conditions, patients may develop a feeling of panic and anxiety, as well as dizziness and weakness up to fainting. Sometimes there are convulsions.

Emphysema may cause stitching pains in the chest on the left. This is a disease in which air bubbles begin to move into the chest area. Air begins to penetrate from the outside due to injuries of the esophagus or respiratory tract. In addition to stabbing pains, people have a feeling of squeezing the chest. Against the background of this state are noted:

• dyspnea;
• hoarse and nasal voice;
• the appearance of a cough;
• Pain may radiate to other areas.

Neurological ailments

Sharp cutting or, conversely, dull aching pain can provoke intercostal neuralgia. As the name implies, with this disease, the intercostal nerve endings begin to irritate. Sometimes this condition can be provoked by an uncomfortable posture during sleep or by careless movement during some kind of physical exertion.

The pain often occurs suddenly, aggravated by inhalation, gives under the ribs, but sometimes even with superficial frequent breathing, a person is haunted by unpleasant sensations. When trying to make sudden movements, the pain also intensifies. This condition is aggravated:

• tingling in the chest;
• uncontrolled muscle twitching;
• strong sweating.

Cardioneurosis. It can be provoked by a sharp stress or a series of stressful conditions. With this disease, dull aching pains in the left upper chest are often noted. Sometimes they are replaced by quite strong, but short-lived painful sensations. People with this diagnosis complain of:

• cardiopalmus;
• high blood pressure;
• causeless anxiety and worry.

Diseases and injuries of the spine

Osteochondrosis- one of the most common pathologies of the spine. With this disease, a degenerative process is observed, which leads to the destruction of the vertebral discs. Often the root cause of this disease is a sedentary lifestyle - excessive sitting at the computer, driving a car, etc. Also, the start for the development of the disease may be incorrect posture or overweight.

As a result, the nerve roots of the vertebrae are irritated and compressed, and blood circulation is disturbed. Pain can haunt a person constantly and intensify during movement.

At the beginning of the disease, chest pain does not appear, however, as it develops, people begin to complain of:

• discomfort during inhalation or exhalation;
• pain in the region of the heart;
• discomfort in the left hypochondrium;
• feeling of "cola" in the chest.

These pains or other discomforts can disturb people at night, causing signs of panic, as they sometimes resemble a myocardial infarction or angina pectoris. However, pain in osteochondrosis decreases dramatically if you do a little warm-up or change the position of the body.

In other cases, the cause of pain in the left side of the chest is trauma to the person. The danger of such a phenomenon lies in the fact that the very moment of impact can pass almost unnoticed, and only later manifest itself as chest pain of a aching nature. You can guess the presence of a hematoma if you touch the site of the bruise with your hand, in which case the discomfort will only intensify. Also, the pain may become more intense during movement or even during breathing.

Other reasons

In men and women, such pain can also occur due to various lesions of the digestive tract. Among the common reasons:

• Gastritis when the gastric mucosa is irritated (see also - symptoms of gastritis).
• Pathologies of the pancreas such as pancreatitis. In this case, against the background of aching pain, nausea appears.
• Problems with the spleen especially after her injury.
• stomach ulcer, in which pain extends to the left side of the chest, aggravated by nausea, vomiting or severe heartburn.

In addition, there are specific, so-called. "Female" causes of pain in the left side of the chest. These include:

• Mastopathy or benign growth of the mammary glands.
• Premenstrual syndrome, in which there is also excessive breast enlargement.
• iodine deficiency in organism.

How to understand what hurts behind the sternum (video)

Three tests for chest pain. Elena Malysheva and her colleagues will talk about them in detail. How a stress test is performed - ECG at rest and during exercise.

What to do and who to contact

First of all, with frequent or persistent pain in the left side of the chest, any self-diagnosis options should be completely excluded. These activities should be carried out only in a specialized medical institution.

To begin with, you should contact a general practitioner, and after examining and analyzing the patient's complaints, he can redirect him to other specialists - a cardiologist, neuropathologist, gastroenterologist, surgeon.

General diagnostic measures may include:

• radiography;
• electrocardiography;
• measurement of blood pressure;
• magnetic resonance imaging;
• study of pulmonary vessels;
• blood and urine tests with further research for the presence / absence of various inflammatory processes.

Only according to the results of a comprehensive study, the correct and adequate treatment can be prescribed.

In the future, after treatment, a person should follow the recommendations of his doctor. It is necessary to follow the correct diet, which is prescribed individually. In parallel, psychotherapy sessions can be prescribed if various mental disorders were the root cause of the ailments.

For various injuries or physical injuries, various physiotherapy procedures may be indicated in the future. Unconditional and necessary is the complete rejection of bad habits.

You should not postpone a visit to the doctor if you often have chest pains. Modern medicine has a fairly wide range of diagnostic measures to correctly identify such pain.

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Issues of etiology

Pain is of a different nature:

1. 1. People have pain under the chest, cuts, ache, burns or pierces on the left side.
2. 2. The intensity of manifestations in men and women can vary from mild to severe pain, periodic and constant.
3. 3. Gives to different parts of the body. Usually stabs under the shoulder blade, in the region of the heart, abdominal cavity, jaw, neck, upper limb or shoulder.
4. 4. Soreness can change location when inhaling, changing posture, performing hand movements.

The causes of such symptoms may be diseases:

1. 1. Digestive tract.
2. 2. Thoracic spinal column.
3. 3. Heart, especially angina pectoris and heart attack, lesions of the membranes and cardiac tissues.
4. 4. Lesions of a rheumatic nature.
5. 5. Neurological diseases.
6. 6. Lesions of the ribs.

Why does it hurt in the heart area? Pain in the region of the left sternum is associated with the heart, and this is precisely the reason for contacting cardiologists to explain what this or that symptom means.

Doctors divide heart pain into 2 large groups:

1. 1. Anginal, which are associated with coronary disease.
2. 2. Cardialgia caused by inflammatory diseases of the heart, congenital pathologies, vegetative-vascular dystonia.

Ischemic and angina pectoris, severe or mild chest pain occurs when a person experiences emotional stress, stress, increased pressure or blood flow. They manifest themselves during movement, emotional disorders, exit from a state of rest, and proceed in the form of seizures.

Pain differs in character:

• burning;
• pressing;
• compressive.

Localized in the left shoulder, arm, behind the sternum, lower jaw, accompanied by shortness of breath. If the pain is strong and pressing, gives to the sternum, then this is a sign of a heart attack. It is urgent to call an ambulance or take the patient to the hospital, since the pain cannot be removed with nitroglycerin preparations.

The cardiological group of heart pain manifests itself in diseases such as:

1. 1. Rheumatic pathologies.
2. 2. Myocarditis.
3. 3. Pericarditis.

They have a aching, stabbing long-term character. The pain is localized to the left of the sternum, becoming stronger with coughing or sighing. Eliminate for a short time can be painkillers, but not Nitroglycerin.

Other reasons. Factors that provoke pain in the region of the heart are also caused by other diseases, not only heart ones. You can classify according to the manifestations and intensity of pain:

1. 1. When turning the body or tilting, moving the arms, breathing, very painful - this is a symptom of the development of thoracic sciatica, costal cartilages.
2. 2. During movement, severe pain appears that affects the intercostal space, which indicates the activation of the shingles virus in the human body. If, when walking, there is a slight or periodic soreness, then this is evidence of the onset of a neurosis.
3. 3. Depression or stress provokes pain that radiates to the neck and shoulder.
4. 4. Shortness of breath appears due to problems with the gastrointestinal tract, when there is pressure on the heart, especially after eating. Pathologies of the small intestine, gastric ulcers, gastritis, dyspepsia, accompanied by nausea and pain, the development of a hernia of the esophagus, the formation of oncological growths that occur in the gastrointestinal tract are especially distinguished.
5. 5. Shortness of breath and pain can be triggered by pinching of the heart nerve, curvature of the spine, the development of osteochondrosis.
6. 6. Problems with the spleen, its inflammation or pathology provoke a heart attack. This should include an abscess, a spleen cyst, its injuries, rupture, twisting of the leg, the development of infectious mononucleosis. The consequence of such processes can be a heart attack, coronary heart disease.
7. 7. Problems with the bronchi and lungs, among which pneumonia and left-sided pleurisy stand out. Their symptoms include dull, mild pain in the side, back, chest.
8. 8. Oncological diseases of the mammary glands, or the occurrence of a cyst, abscess, fibroadenoma there.