I’ve been feeling a sharp pain intermittently in my left chest since yesterday. I got worried thinking it might be something related to my heart, but it seems to increase more when I move. So I wonder if it could be muscle pain. But when it comes to the chest, people tend to worry directly. Do you think it’s an emergency? Should I monitor it for a while, or should I go to the doctor right away?
I had a similar pain too; it was especially worse when I strained my upper body. Turns out I had made a wrong move while exercising, and it was a muscle strain. But if yours doesn’t seem permanent, I wouldn’t panic too much, but it’s still a good idea to have it checked.
Honestly, I experienced something similar last year, it was stress-related. If it were something related to the heart, there would be other symptoms accompanying the pain, like shortness of breath. If it increases with movement, there’s a high possibility it’s muscle pain, but of course, I can’t say for sure.
I’m going to say something, but why are you asking in forums like this instead of just going to the doctor right away? You said people naturally get anxious when it comes to the chest, but that’s exactly why you need to see a specialist. This is not something to joke about.
If this pain increases especially when you lift your arm, reach for something, or press on your chest, it is generally musculoskeletal in nature. However, since it is on the left side of the chest, the possibility of a heart issue should not be dismissed. The safest option would be to consult a cardiologist or an internist.
Update: When I woke up today, the pain seemed to have decreased quite a bit, but I still feel a slight stabbing sensation when I breathe. I think I may have overexerted myself, but I’m still not at ease; I’m thinking of taking myself to a doctor on Monday.
You said it increases when you move, but does it ever happen when you’re resting? I mean, if you feel it even when completely still, it could be something different. Also, do you have any numbness or something like that in your left arm?
This kind of thing happens to me all the time, especially when I’m really stressed. I always get muscle tension or nerve compression. Even if people aren’t sick, they immediately worry about their heart when you mention chest pain, but usually, it’s just muscle pain or something like that.