Why Chest Pain Radiating to Left Arm?

Angina. Angina occurs when the heart is not getting enough oxygen. Angina can cause left arm pain that is often accompanied by shoulder, neck, back, or jaw discomfort along with a feeling of indigestion. Angina is often a symptom of coronary artery disease and should be taken seriously.

Why does angina pain radiate to the left arm?

These pain receptors ultimately are referred to afferent pathways, which are carried in multiple nerve roots from C7 through T4. The referred/radiating pain of angina pectoris is believed to occur because these afferent pathways also carry pain fibers from other regions (eg, the arm, neck, and shoulders).

Why does my chest and left arm ache?

Causes of left arm pain

The most well known of these is a heart attack. In this case, the arm pain may be accompanied by pain or a tightening sensation in your chest, pain in your back, neck, shoulder or jaw, nausea, shortness of breath, dizziness or fatigue. Left arm pain can also be caused by angina.