This is what a ‘sharp’ pain on the left-side of the breast can indicate

Adding, Dr A Ravikanth, Cardiologist, Kamineni Hospitals, Hyderabad, said that chest pain localised to the left breast area is often a cause for concern. “Many people immediately assume that it indicates a heart problem, but that is not always the case. In fact, there are several potential causes of chest pain in the left breast that are not related to the heart,” he told indianexpress.com.

Sometimes, muscle pain in the chest is also attributed to cardiac pain or acidity. But proper diagnosis is important before starting any treatment, added Dr Tomar. Concurred Dr Ravikanth, and said that strained or pulled muscles in the chest or upper back can be quite painful and may radiate to the left breast. “Additionally, conditions like costochondritis, which involves inflammation of the cartilage connecting the ribs to the breastbone, can also cause sharp chest pain on the left side,” Dr Ravikanth told indianexpress.com.

Sometimes chest muscle pain could be attributed to cardiac pain or due to acidity (Source: Getty Image/Thinkstock)

Another possible cause of chest pain in the left breast area is related to gastrointestinal issues. “Acid reflux, for example, can cause a burning sensation in the chest that may be felt more acutely on the left side. In some cases, digestive issues can also cause gas or bloating, which can put pressure on the chest and cause discomfort,” Dr Ravikanth mentioned.

Respiratory issues can also be a culprit behind left-sided chest pain. Conditions like pneumonia or bronchitis can cause pain and discomfort in the chest area, particularly on the left side. Pulmonary embolisms, or blood clots in the lungs, can also cause chest pain that is localised on the left side, added Dr Raikanth.

However, calling it a “panic reaction”, Dr Subhendu Mohanty, interventional cardiologist, Sharda Hospital, Noida said that pleuritic pain, musculoskeletal pain, breast lump pain can be present on both sides and “not specifically on the left”. “So this phrase of sharp pain on the left doesn’t fit into any specific illness per se. Any chest pain which is recurrent and causing discomfort should be evaluated by a cardiac physician,” he said.

While there are several potential non-cardiac causes of chest pain on the left side, experts urge that it is important to note that heart-related issues should not be ruled out entirely. Any time a person experiences chest pain, particularly if it is accompanied by other symptoms like shortness of breath, sweating, or nausea, they should seek medical attention immediately to rule out any serious health concerns, Dr Ravikanth said.

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