Often, when we experience pain, we attribute it to a tough day at the gym or a bump from playing with our kids.
However, sometimes a pain can be a sign that something is wrong in our bodies. Left arm pain, in particular, can be a sign of cardiac arrest or other heart problems.
What is a Cardiac Arrest?
Cardiac issues are the number-one cause of death in American adults, so it is very important to know the signs and get help when necessary. When the heart suddenly stops, the person goes into cardiac arrest, and it often leads to death of the person unless they receive immediate medical assistance.
Cardiac arrest may be caused by a blockage of blood flow that stops blood from getting to the heart. If the victim receives immediate medical attention, they have a chance of a full recovery.
According to a recent study by the Survey of Anesthesiology, early, mild therapeutic hypothermia might improve the outcomes of a cardiac arrest, which confirms the importance of an early treatment.
Why Does Cardiac Arrest Cause Left Arm Pain?
Left arm pain is one of the most characteristic symptoms of a cardiac arrest or heart attack. The central nervous system transmits the pain caused by a heart attack to nerves in your left arm.
Arm pain is actually very common during a heart attack. Men are statistically more likely to have pain in their left arm, while women may experience pain in both arms.
Pay Attention to Arm Pain
It is important to sit up and take notice if you begin experiencing unexplained arm pain. If left arm pain occurs at the same time as chest pain, you might want to seek immediate medical care. However, many people don’t experience chest pain during a heart attack, so this isn’t a definite decision.
During cardiac arrest, people have also experienced pain in other parts of the body. Pain in the stomach, jaw, shoulders, or neck may be a sign of heart problems. There have also been cases when heart attacks haven’t even caused any pain. They may cause discomfort or nausea, or you may simply feel confused.
You can watch out for the signs of a heart attack by being in touch with your body. If your arm pain is caused by a cardiac arrest, it will feel different than an ordinary arm pain, and it will last throughout the day. If you have any doubts, seek the help of a doctor or other medical professional to put your mind at ease.
Heart attacks can be extremely serious and even life-threatening, so it’s important to be well aware of their symptoms. If you have a family history of cardiac issues or heart attacks, you should take the pain in your left arm seriously. Ask a medical expert for help in order to minimize long-term effects and stay healthy.
