What might cause chest pain that radiates to the right arm?

When the heart has trouble getting enough oxygen, the pain you feel in your chest may travel along shared nerve pathways and even radiate to your right arm. Although chest pain from a heart attack more often spreads to the left arm, research has shown that right-arm involvement can also be seen in people with coronary diseases. This kind of symptom is taken seriously by doctors because it might indicate a blockage or problem in the heart's blood supply (myocardial infarction).

In addition to heart issues, similar pain can sometimes occur from other problems like irritated nerves or muscle strain near the chest, which may mimic heart-related pain. Because of this, it is very important to be evaluated by a healthcare professional if you have chest pain that moves to your right arm, especially if it comes with other symptoms like shortness of breath, sweating, or discomfort in the upper body. You can start by using a free AI symptom checker to help understand your symptoms before seeking medical attention. A doctor can use tests like an electrocardiogram (ECG) or blood tests to decide if the pain is from a heart condition or another cause.