Does left shoulder pain signify heart attack?
Patient: My left shoulder is hurting, does is it mean I am having a heart attack. Lately, I get a minor chest pain also. I thought because it may be because I sometimes lift weight at work. I hear that when your left shoulder hurts, it is sign of having heart attack. Doctor: Hello!Welcome and thank you for asking on HCM!I understand your concern and would explain that your symptoms are not related to any cardiac disorder (including coronary artery disease and heart attack). There is nothing to worry about! Your symptoms seem to be caused by inflammation of the soft tissues surrounding your shoulder joint or a cervical column disorder (a possible disc displacement, causing radicular nerve pain). I recommend consulting with your GP for a careful physical examination, a shoulder joint x ray, a cervical spine x ray and some lab blood tests for inflammation (complete blood count, PCR, sedimentation rate). A nerve conduction study may be needed to exclude a possible nerve compression or radicular problem. Meanwhile I recommend avoiding heavy weight lifting and perform physiotherapy.  Painkillers (acetaminophen, ibuprofen) are helpful to relieve your pain. Hope to have been helpful!Greetings!Dr. Iliri