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Heart Attack Arm Pain

A heart attack, or myocardial infarction, happens when the heart does not get enough oxygen. Unlike television portrayals, this does not happen suddenly, it can take a long time to build up to a heart attack. When it happens, however, there is one easily recognized symptom to look for: arm pain.

  1. Heart Attack Arm Pain

    • According to the healthcare media publishing company MedicineNet, arm pain is one of the symptoms of a heart attack. It may begin in the chest and then radiate out to the arm, or just be localized in the shoulder and arm.

    Chest And Arm Pain With Heart Attacks

    • Most often, according to American Heart Association, chest pain or discomfort in the middle of the chest is the most common symptom, but this pain spread to the arms. It is described as a deep, heavy pain or extreme pressure in the chest, and shooting pain in the arms.

    Arm Pain Myths

    • Arm pain does not have to be in the left arm, according to MedicineNet. It can happen in either the right or left arm, or both at the same time. Arm pain from a heart attack depends on which nerves are activated and what artery is being affected during a heart attack, so you may not experience any arm pain.

    False Alarm

    • Regardless of what is causing your arm pain (stress attacks often mimic heart attacks), you should contact a health care professional immediately to find out what is going on, recommends the American Academy of Family Physicians.

    What Else Causes Arm Pain

    • According to the Mayo Clinic, arm pain can happen from injury, from conditions like Carpal Tunnel Syndrome or arthritis, or even from a strenuous workout. You should contact a doctor if the pain suddenly or gradually seems to increase in intensity around the shoulder and chest area, and you feel an increase in pressure on your chest.

    Silent Heart Attacks

    • Not all heart attacks announce themselves with arm pain or chest pain. Approximately a quarter of all heart attacks present no symptoms, according to MedicineNet and they are especially common for people with diabetes.

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