Pain on the inside of the left arm

Pain in the left arm, which is limited to the inside, is usually caused by muscular causes. In cases where the pain occurs suddenly, for example during a stress situation, there is a possibility that a muscle strain is present. The muscles located on the inside of the left arm are mainly responsible for bringing the arm closer to the trunk.

If these muscles are excessively strained by sporting activity, pain may occur on the inside of the left arm. The term muscular strain (technical term: distension) is generally understood to mean the process of stretching a muscle beyond its normal extent, resulting in a strong contraction of the individual muscle fibres. As a result, hardening occurs within the muscle tissue.

However, the muscle fibers themselves are not affected. Although the pain on the inside of the left arm caused by a pulled muscle is very strong, permanent damage can usually be ruled out. However, the complete recovery of the affected muscle can only be guaranteed if all sports activities are stopped immediately after the muscle strain has occurred.

A pulled muscle that causes pain on the inside of the left arm should be treated as soon as possible. Simple first aid measures can effectively relieve the pain caused by the strain. Medical intervention is only necessary in very rare cases.

The most important first aid measures that should be taken in the event of pain on the inside of the left arm caused by the strain can be derived from the so-called PECH scheme. P = (Pause) Sporting activity should be stopped immediately. E = (ice) Cooling can help to accelerate the healing process. C = (Compression) Apply elastic pressure dressing. H = Raise.

Left arm pain and heart attack

Pain in the left arm and left shoulder are among the most common symptoms of an acute heart attack (acute myocardial infarction). A myocardial infarction is a persistent circulatory disorder of certain parts of the heart muscle. In most cases, the blockage of one or more coronary vessels by small blood clots is the cause.

Myocardial infarction, which causes pain in the left arm among other things, is the most common cause of death in industrialized countries. Patients often suffer from coronary heart disease (CHD) years before the heart attack. If blood passage is disrupted within a significantly altered coronary vessel, the vessels react to this with a spasmodic narrowing of the vessels (coronary spasm).In this way, the blood flow is further reduced and the blood supply to the heart muscle decreases again.

The severity of the heart attack leading to pain in the left arm depends on the localization as well as on the severity and duration of the circulatory disorder. In general, heart attacks can occur in different areas of the heart muscle. Exactly where the heart attack occurs depends on which coronary vessel is affected.

For example, blockages in the right coronary artery can lead to a heart attack in the area of the posterior wall. Pathological changes in the left coronary artery, on the other hand, are localized to the front wall of the heart. In rather rare cases, a heart attack can also be provoked by other diseases.

A typical example of such a disease is pericarditis. In addition, bleeding and tumors on or in the immediate vicinity of the heart can lead to the development of a heart attack. Basically, any person of advanced age can suffer a heart attack that causes pain in the left arm.

However, there are some risk factors that increase the risk of developing a heart attack many times over. Among the most important risk factors in this context are A myocardial infarction can usually be diagnosed quite early on the basis of the typical symptoms. Most of the affected patients complain of severe chest pain right from the start.

Typically, there is also a feeling of pressure immediately behind the breastbone (sternum) or a feeling of tightness in the entire thorax. In addition, many patients who have suffered a heart attack describe stabbing or tearing pain. This pain can be localized to the chest or radiate to the left arm and shoulder.

Some of those affected even report having experienced pain in the neck, jaw, upper abdomen and back. The pain that occurs during a heart attack is usually so severe that it is referred to as “pain of destruction”. Other typical signs of a heart attack are shortness of breath, nausea, cold sweat and fear of death.

In contrast to men, women who suffer from an acute heart attack often show rather untypical symptoms. Although both sexes often experience pain in the left arm, women often report stomach upset, physical exhaustion and sleep disturbances. If a patient suffers an acute heart attack, rapid intervention can have a decisive influence on the prognosis. The affected person can help himself or herself by taking anticoagulant medication (Aspirin) immediately and sending an emergency call.

Nicotine consumption
Diabetes mellitus
High blood pressure (hypertension)
Family history
Overweight
Lack of exercise
High fat diet