Why do you have left-sided arm pain along with pain or pulling behind your breast when breathing?
This combination of symptoms needs immediate medical attention. Left-sided arm pain with chest discomfort and breathing difficulty can be signs of a heart attack, which is a medical emergency.
People with lupus have an increased Show Full Answer
Why do you have left-sided arm pain along with pain or pulling behind your breast when breathing?
This combination of symptoms needs immediate medical attention. Left-sided arm pain with chest discomfort and breathing difficulty can be signs of a heart attack, which is a medical emergency.
People with lupus have an increased risk for heart conditions, including coronary artery disease and blood clots. Heart attack symptoms can include:
* Left arm or shoulder pain that may last minutes to hours
* Chest pain or discomfort that can radiate to the neck, jaw, and shoulder
* Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
* Fatigue
* Sweating
* A feeling that something very bad is about to happen
If you're experiencing these symptoms together, especially if they're new or unusual for you, seek emergency care immediately. Don't wait to see if they go away.
Your risk may be higher if you also have high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, are over 45, or have a family history of heart problems. If this isn't an emergency situation and your symptoms are less severe, there are other lupus-related causes to consider:
* Muscle pain during a lupus flare can cause body aches throughout your arm and chest area
* Inflammation affecting the chest wall or surrounding tissues
* Nerve-related issues from lupus affecting the spine
* Side effects from lupus medications
However, given the specific combination of left-sided arm pain with breathing difficulty and chest discomfort, it's crucial to rule out heart-related causes first. Contact your doctor right away or go to the emergency room to get properly evaluated.
January 15