What does arm pain feel like with heart attack
Pro Research Analysisby 
Searched over 200M research papers
Consensus Meter
Understanding Arm Pain During a Heart Attack
Characteristics of Arm Pain in Heart Attacks
Arm pain associated with heart attacks is often described with specific sensations and patterns. Patients typically report a constricting, squeezing, or cramp-like feeling in the arm, similar to the chest pain experienced during angina pectoris or myocardial infarction. This pain is often felt on the ventral and medial surfaces of the arm and forearm, and it may extend down to the little finger and the ring finger. The sensation can be so intense that patients might describe it as feeling like a band around the arm or akin to having their blood pressure taken.
Radiation and Localization of Pain
The pain from a heart attack often radiates from the chest to the left arm, but it can also affect both arms or even the right arm alone in rare cases. This radiation of pain is due to the pathways of cardiac pain, which involve the cervical and thoracic sympathetic cardiac nerves. These nerves transmit pain signals to the spinal cord and then to the brain, where the pain is perceived . The poor localization of cardiac pain is partly due to the limited number of sensory endings in the heart and the shared pathways with other body surfaces.
Associated Symptoms and Misdiagnosis
In addition to arm pain, heart attack symptoms can include chest pain, shortness of breath, and discomfort in the jaw, neck, or back. However, when arm pain occurs without concurrent chest pain, it can be misleading and lead to misdiagnosis. Patients might attribute the pain to other causes, such as musculoskeletal issues, and seek treatment for those instead. This misattribution can delay the correct diagnosis and treatment of a heart attack.
Mechanisms Behind Cardiac Pain
The mechanisms behind cardiac pain involve the excitation of chemosensitive and mechanoreceptive receptors in the heart during ischemic episodes. These episodes release chemicals like adenosine and bradykinin, which activate the sympathetic and vagal afferent pathways. The spinothalamic tract, which carries pain signals to the brain, is particularly involved in the transmission of anginal pain to the chest and arm. The convergence of sensory input from other visceral organs can also mimic cardiac pain, complicating the diagnosis further.
Conclusion
Arm pain during a heart attack is a significant symptom that can often be misinterpreted. It is typically described as a constricting or squeezing sensation and can radiate from the chest to one or both arms. Understanding the characteristics and mechanisms of this pain is crucial for timely and accurate diagnosis, which can significantly impact the outcome for patients experiencing a heart attack. Recognizing the broader range of symptoms and the potential for misdiagnosis can help in providing better care and improving survival rates.
Sources and full results
Most relevant research papers on this topic