When is it not a sign of a heart attack?

Left chest pain is an alarming symptom, especially when the pain appears suddenly and without warning. With heart disease, the cause of left chest pain can be an aortic dissection or angina, a condition that occurs when the heart does not receive enough blood and oxygen, according to the health website Medical News Today (UK).

Angina can feel like a tightness, squeezing, or pressure on your chest. It can be triggered by physical exertion, emotional stress, or an underlying heart problem.

Experts advise patients not to be subjective with chest pain. In some cases, this pain can be a warning sign of serious cardiovascular disease, especially heart attack.

Chest pain is not always a heart attack. Pericarditis can also cause pain similar to a heart attack, but it is often accompanied by a sharp pain that radiates to the neck and upper shoulders. The pain may be worse when lying down, swallowing, or taking deep breaths.

Chest pain can also be caused by lung conditions, such as pleurisy or pneumonia. Some digestive problems, such as gastroesophageal reflux, can also cause chest pain. Because these conditions mimic the symptoms of a heart attack, diagnosis can be difficult.

Chest pain should not be ignored.

Experts say that no matter what the health problem is, unexplained chest pain is a symptom that should not be ignored. In particular, recurrent left chest pain that gets worse is often a sign of a serious illness.

To detect the disease early and prevent it from progressing, people need to recognize the unusual signs and see a doctor as soon as possible. Early detection and timely intervention will make a significant difference in the patient's health, helping to improve both quality of life and longevity, according to Medical News Today.