Sanjay Gupta Sanjay Gupta Asked 9 months ago

What shoulder hurts during heart attack?

My uncle had a heart attack last month, and he mentioned his shoulder hurting a lot. I'm trying to be more aware of the symptoms for myself and my family. Is there a specific shoulder that usually hurts during a heart attack, or can it be either side?

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7 answers

Deepa Mathew Deepa Mathew Joined Jan 2026 9 months ago
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Usually, the pain goes down the left shoulder and left arm, but it can sometimes affect both shoulders or even the jaw. If you or someone else is experiencing this along with chest tightness, sweating, or breathlessness, please go to the nearest emergency room immediately.

Sanjay Sharma Sanjay Sharma Joined Jan 2026 9 months ago

Most commonly, it is the left shoulder and arm that hurts during a cardiac event. However, women and diabetic patients can have atypical symptoms like back pain or stomach discomfort instead. Please don't take any chances with shoulder pain that spreads to the chest.

Rahul Verma Rahul Verma Joined Feb 2026 8 months ago

Generally, it is the left side that gets affected. But hey, if you have any severe pain or pressure in either shoulder along with sweating, please call an ambulance right away instead of waiting.

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Consult a cardiologist

Kriti Joshi Kriti Joshi Joined Jun 2026 4 months ago

It is incredibly scary to even think about these symptoms, I used to get panic attacks thinking every muscle pain was a heart issue. Typically, it is the left shoulder, but please don't sit and stress alone. Getting it checked by a doctor is the only way to feel safe.

Priyanka Patil Priyanka Patil Joined Mar 2026 7 months ago

Haan na, cardiac symptoms are very confusing. Mostly left shoulder and arm hurt, but sometimes it can be the right side too. Agar achanak bohot pain ho raha hai aur saas lene mein takleef hai, toh please jaldi doctor ke paas jao.

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Anil Deshpande Anil Deshpande Joined Apr 2026 7 months ago

I keep a very close watch on my health due to high BP, and my doctor told me that left shoulder or arm pain spreading from the chest is a key warning sign. If you have risk factors like high BP, please get regular cardiac screenings and don't ignore any sudden pain.

Ramesh Patel Ramesh Patel Joined May 2026 5 months ago

While simple gas can sometimes cause left side discomfort, a heart attack typically causes severe pain radiating down the left shoulder and neck. This is not something for home remedies like jeera water. Please reach a hospital immediately if the pain is sudden and heavy.

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