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Does Pain On The Left Side Of Chest Indicate Heart Ailment?

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Posted on Fri, 10 Oct 2014
Question: periodically I have sharp but very bearable pains on the left side of my chest. this has been going on for two or three days. Is this related to my heart?
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Answered by Dr. Kerry Pottinger (25 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Most likely a pulled muscle.

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thank you for using Healthcare Magic. From the description you give of your pain, it is most unlikely this is due to a heart problem. It is more likely to be a pulled muscle. You may not have noticed at the time but it is easy to inadvertently strain a chest muscle without noticing and then suffer afterwards.
My advice is to take paracetamol and ibuprofen for the pain. Apply a warm compress to the area regularly. Try to rest from physical activity for a couple of days. The pain is likely to subside during this time.
If you are still in pain after 2 days then my advice would be to see your doctor for an examination and perhaps investigation to exclude a heart problem or possibly a chest infection.
I hope this is of help. If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Regards,
Dr K A Pottinger

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Kerry Pottinger

Pain Medicine & Palliative Care Specialist

Practicing since :1983

Answered : 1337 Questions

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Does Pain On The Left Side Of Chest Indicate Heart Ailment?

Brief Answer: Most likely a pulled muscle. Detailed Answer: Hi, Thank you for using Healthcare Magic. From the description you give of your pain, it is most unlikely this is due to a heart problem. It is more likely to be a pulled muscle. You may not have noticed at the time but it is easy to inadvertently strain a chest muscle without noticing and then suffer afterwards. My advice is to take paracetamol and ibuprofen for the pain. Apply a warm compress to the area regularly. Try to rest from physical activity for a couple of days. The pain is likely to subside during this time. If you are still in pain after 2 days then my advice would be to see your doctor for an examination and perhaps investigation to exclude a heart problem or possibly a chest infection. I hope this is of help. If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact me. Regards, Dr K A Pottinger