What could cause chest pain that radiates to the left arm?

Reviewed by Yoshinori Abe, MD

Internal Medicine

Chest pain that radiates to the left arm is most commonly a warning sign of a heart-related condition, particularly a heart attack caused by coronary artery disease (CAD). This type of pain occurs when blood flow to the heart muscle is reduced or blocked, and it should always be treated as a medical emergency. Other possible causes include angina, aortic dissection, or referred pain from nerve or muscle issues, but heart attack must be ruled out first. Call 911 or seek emergency care immediately if you experience this symptom, especially alongside shortness of breath, sweating, nausea, or dizziness.

Because chest pain radiating to the left arm can signal a life-threatening condition, understanding your symptoms quickly is critical. A free, instant, online symptom check can help you identify possible causes, assess urgency, and guide your next steps—empowering you to make informed decisions about when to seek emergency care or follow up with a doctor.

Reviewed for medical accuracy: 07/14/2026

Important Next Steps

Discover what’s causing chest pain and left arm pain Learn if your chest pain needs urgent care Find out if left arm pain could be serious See OTC options for chest pain relief Find a doctor for chest pain evaluation Understand home remedies for chest pain safely Check likely causes of chest and arm pain

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Explanation

When you experience chest pain that radiates to your left arm, it is often a signal that your heart might be in trouble. This type of pain is a common symptom of a heart attack, or myocardial infarction, where part of the heart muscle isn't receiving enough blood and oxygen.

The nerves supplying the heart and the left arm share similar pathways, so pain from the heart often travels along these nerve routes, causing discomfort in the arm, shoulder, or even the jaw. Coronary artery disease, which narrows or blocks the coronary arteries, is a frequent culprit behind these symptoms. While other conditions can sometimes mimic heart-related pain, left arm radiation combined with chest pain is regarded as a strong warning sign for heart issues.

If you experience chest pain radiating to your left arm—especially if it's accompanied by other symptoms like shortness of breath, sweating, or nausea—it is crucial to seek medical care right away. You can quickly assess your symptoms using a free symptom checker to help understand what might be causing your discomfort and whether immediate care is needed. Immediate evaluation by a healthcare professional can help determine the cause and guide the proper treatment to protect your heart health.

(References)

Ojha N, Dhamoon AS. Myocardial Infarction. [Updated 2023 Aug 8]. In: StatPearls [Internet].
Johnson K, Ghassemzadeh S. Chest Pain. [Updated 2022 Dec 14]. In: StatPearls [Internet].
Malik MA, Alam Khan S, Safdar S, Taseer IU. Chest Pain as a presenting complaint in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Pak J Med Sci. 2013 Apr;29(2):565-8. doi: 10.12669/pjms.292.2921. PMID: 24353577; PMCID: PMC3809224.

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