Chest Pain on the Left Side - A Sign of Angina 

Angina pectoris is a Latin term that means "tight chest". This is a medical condition which prompts the feeling of discomfort and pain in the center portion of the chest. The chest therefore begins to constrict and then tighten with some throbbing pain. So much more, it lets you feel that your chest is being crushed. The oppressive pain begins in the middle part, just behind your breast bone, and the chest pain on the left side can also be persistent. The other body parts that may be affected include the stomach and arms.

The Angina Triggering Factors

Normally, the chest pain on the left side and other parts goes away after ten minutes when the triggering factors are also stopped. The following are the main factors that trigger angina. You have to watch out for any of these, so to speak.

• Strenuous physical exercises
• Stress or Pressure
• Severe Cold
• Heavy Meal Intake  

The Typical Causes of Angina 

• Coronary Atherosclerosis - This is known as the thickening of the arteries which are supposed to supply a sufficient amount of oxygen, blood, and then nutrients towards the heart. The condition is prompted by the atheroma or plaques which are the fatty deposits that get compounded in the arteries and lessen the blood flow. The chest pain on the left side occurs when you engage in some activities that require for more supply of blood such as exercising, climbing the stairs, or when you feel stressed out.
• Aortic Stenosis - This is defined as the narrowing of the heart's outflow valve. 
• Hypertrophy - This points out to the thickening of the muscles of the heart which is brought about by high blood pressure. 
• Anaemia or thin blood
• Palpitating heartbeat
• Heart valve diseases 

A Variety of Symptoms

Apart from the disturbing chest pain on the left side, angina is also suggested by the following indications:

•  A heavy pressing or squeezing sensation on the chest
• Shortness of breath while performing physical exercises
• Frequent numbness on the left portion of the shoulder, arm, hand, or elbow
• Constricting feeling in the throat area
• Increased discomfort in the stomach, ears, teeth, jaw, arms, or sometimes in between your shoulder blades 

Treating Angina

There are numerous prescription medicines that can help lessen the effect of angina. Among of them are:

• Low dosage of aspirin lets the platelets stick together so as to avoid blood clots.
• Glyceryl trinitrate allows the arteries to relax. It can be availed in spray or tablet form.
• Nitrates that retain the effect for a long time are able to reduce the attacks. They are available in patches or tablets.
• Beta-blockers hinder the hormone adrenaline's effect. Hence, it enhances the blood supply to the heart muscles.
• Calcium-channel blockers lessen muscle tension within the coronary arteries.
• Surgery is normally suggested when the serious case of angina takes place and the medications don't take effect. 

Again, don't take for granted the manifestation of chest pain on the left side as it may imply a serious case of angina. Consult a doctor as soon as possible to find relief.

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