What are the possible causes of sudden chest pain and dizziness with arm pain?

Question #29500

46 days ago

116

What are the possible causes of sudden chest pain and dizziness with arm pain? - #29500

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I experienced sudden chest pain on the lower left side last night, along with dizziness and nausea around midnight. The pain seemed to radiate from my shoulder to my back and up behind my left ear. I did not have shortness of breath, sweating, or arm pain. The symptoms have made me concerned about whether this could be something serious or heart-related. I would like to know possible causes and whether I should seek urgent medical attention or specific tests. Main issue: persistent pain starting from the ring finger, radiating up the arm to the shoulder and into the back. The pain is continuous and concerning, especially given a recent episode of chest discomfort, dizziness, and nausea. No shortness of breath or sweating. Seeking possible causes and advice on whether this requires urgent medical attention.

How long did the chest pain last?:

- Less than an hour

How would you rate the intensity of the chest pain?:

- Moderate — uncomfortable but manageable

Have you experienced similar symptoms in the past?:

- Yes, but rarely

Did anything specific trigger the chest pain or dizziness?:

- Stress or anxiety

What is your medical history regarding heart conditions?:

- No known heart conditions

Have you noticed any other symptoms accompanying the pain?:

- Nausea

How would you describe your overall stress level recently?:

- Extreme

Have you had any recent injuries or accidents?:

- Unsure

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Dr. Aarav Deshmukh

I am a general physician with 8 years of practice, mostly in urban clinics and semi-rural setups. I began working right after MBBS in a govt hospital in Kerala, and wow — first few months were chaotic, not gonna lie. Since then, I’ve seen 1000s of patients with all kinds of cases — fevers, uncontrolled diabetes, asthma, infections, you name it. I usually work with working-class patients, and that changed how I treat — people don’t always have time or money for fancy tests, so I focus on smart clinical diagnosis and practical treatment. Over time, I’ve developed an interest in preventive care — like helping young adults with early metabolic issues. I also counsel a lot on diet, sleep, and stress — more than half the problems start there anyway. I did a certification in evidence-based practice last year, and I keep learning stuff online. I’m not perfect (nobody is), but I care. I show up, I listen, I adjust when I’m wrong. Every patient needs something slightly different. That’s what keeps this work alive for me.

44 days ago

Sudden chest pain combined with dizziness and nausea can indeed be concerning, especially since you experienced pain radiating from the shoulder to your back and up behind your ear. While it’s good that you didn’t have shortness of breath or sweating, these symptoms can still be associated with cardiac issues. One possibility is angina, which occurs when the heart muscle doesn’t get enough oxygen-rich blood. Since you’re experiencing continuous pain radiating from the ring finger upwards, we should also consider nerve-related issues like cervical radiculopathy, where a pinched nerve in the neck could cause similar symptoms. Another possible cause could be a musculoskeletal issue, perhaps related to the shoulder or upper back muscles, especially if there’s been a recent increase in physical activity or strain. However, given the combination of symptoms, especially chest pain and dizziness, it’s crucial to rule out cardiac causes first. You’ll want to seek medical attention promptly, ideally by visiting the emergency department or contacting emergency services. They can perform necessary tests such as EKG, blood work, or imaging like a chest X-ray or CT scan to determine if there’s any cardiac involvement or other serious underlying cause. Do not delay in seeking evaluation, as timely assessment is essential. Once serious conditions are ruled out, your doctor can guide you through managing any musculoskeletal or nerve-related issues. In future, keep track of any additional symptoms or triggers for the pain, as this information can be helpful for your healthcare provider to pinpoint the cause.

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Dr. Shayeque Reza

I completed my medical degree in 2023, but honestly, my journey in healthcare started way before that. Since 2018, I’ve been actively involved in clinical practice—getting hands-on exposure across multiple departments like ENT, pediatrics, dermatology, ophthalmology, medicine, and emergency care. One of the most intense and defining phases of my training was working at a District Government Hospital for a full year during the COVID pandemic. It was chaotic, unpredictable, and exhausting—but it also grounded me in real-world medicine like no textbook ever could. Over time, I’ve worked in both OPD and IPD setups, handling everything from mild viral fevers to more stubborn, long-term conditions. These day-to-day experiences really built my base and taught me how to stay calm when things get hectic—and how to adjust fast when plans don’t go as expected. What I’ve learned most is that care isn't only about writing the right medicine. It’s about being fully there, listening properly, and making sure the person feels seen—not just treated. Alongside clinical work, I’ve also been exposed to preventive health, health education, and community outreach. These areas really matter to me because I believe real impact begins outside the hospital, with awareness and early intervention. My approach is always centered around clarity, empathy, and clinical logic—I like to make sure every patient knows exactly what’s going on and why we’re doing what we’re doing. I’ve always felt a pull towards general medicine and internal care, and honestly, I’m still learning every single day—each patient brings a new lesson. Medicine never really sits still, it keeps shifting, and I try to shift with it. Not just in terms of what I know, but also in how I listen and respond. For me, it’s always been about giving real care. Genuine, respectful, and the kind that actually helps a person heal—inside and out.

42 days ago

Your symptoms—sudden left-sided chest pain with dizziness and nausea, plus ongoing pain radiating from the ring finger up the arm to the shoulder and back—should be taken seriously, even though some features may suggest a non-cardiac cause. While it could be related to muscle strain, nerve irritation (like cervical radiculopathy), or anxiety, the pattern of chest pain with radiation still raises concern for a possible **Angina or, less commonly at your age, a **Myocardial infarction. Not everyone has classic symptoms (like sweating or breathlessness), so it’s important not to ignore this.
The continuous pain starting from the ring finger and moving upward also points toward a nerve-related issue (possibly from the neck or ulnar nerve pathway), but this does not fully explain the chest discomfort you had earlier. Stress and anxiety can mimic these symptoms, but they are considered a diagnosis of exclusion, meaning more serious causes must be ruled out first.
Given the combination of symptoms, it is safest to seek medical evaluation as soon as possible (preferably today or emergency if symptoms return/worsen). A doctor may perform tests like an ECG, blood tests (troponin), and possibly a chest or spine evaluation to rule out heart and nerve-related causes.
In summary, while this may turn out to be something less serious like nerve pain or stress-related symptoms, the initial chest pain with radiation and dizziness makes it important to get checked promptly rather than waiting at home.

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Dr. Nirav Jain

I am a qualified medical doctor with MBBS and DNB Diploma in Family Medicine from NBEMS, and my work has always been centered on treating patients in a complete, not just symptom based way. During my DNB training I rotated through almost every core department—Internal medicine, Pediatrics, Obstetrics & Gynecology, Surgery, Orthopedics, ENT, Dermatology, Psychiatry, Emergency medicine. That mix gave me the skill to manage acute illness, long term disease and preventive care together, something I find very important in family practice. In psychiatry I worked closely with patients who struggled with depression, anxiety, stress related problems, insomnia or substance use. I learned not just about medication but also about simple psychotherapy tools, psycho education and how to talk openly without judgement. I still use that exp in family medicine, specially when chronic disease patients also face mental health issues. My time in General surgery included assisting in minor and major procedures, managing wounds, abscess, sutures and emergencies. While I am not a surgeon, this gave me confidence to recognize surgical cases early, provide first line care and refer fast when needed, which makes a big difference in online or OPD settings. Now I work as a consultant in General medicine and Family practice, with focus on both in-person and online consultation. I treat conditions like fever, infections, gastrointestinal complaints, respiratory illness, and also manage diabetes, hypertension, thyroid disorders, and lifestyle related chronic diseases. I see women for PCOS, contraception counseling, menstrual health, and children for common pediatric issues. I also dedicate time to preventive health, lifestyle counseling and diet-sleep-exercise advice, since these small changes affect long term wellness more than we often realize. My key skills include holistic diagnosis, evidence based treatment, chronic disease management, mental health support, preventive medicine and telemedicine communiation. At the center of all this is one thing—patients should feel heard, safe, and guided with care that is both professional and personal.

42 days ago

Hello, thank for sharing your concern. You have sudden onset chest pain, and it must be evaluated for heart disease on an urgent basis. So, kindly visit your nearest hospital and get an ECG done. If it comes out to be normal, then we’ll see about other causes of chest pain as they would be not so serious, but having a heart issue is one of the most serious issues. So kindly visit your nearest hospital.
Feel free to reach out again.
Regards,
Dr. Nirav Jain
MBBS, D.Fam.Medicine

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Dr. Bharat Joshi

I’m a periodontist and academician with a strong clinical and teaching background. Over the last 4 years and 8 months, I’ve been actively involved in dental education, guiding students at multiple levels including dental hygienist, BDS, and MDS programs. Currently, I serve as a Reader at MMCDSR in Ambala, Haryana—a role that allows me to merge my academic passion with hands-on experience. Clinically, I’ve been practicing dentistry for the past 12 years. From routine procedures like scaling and root planing to more advanced cases involving grafts, biopsies, and implant surgeries. Honestly, I still find joy in doing a simple RCT when it’s needed. It’s not just about the procedure but making sure the patient feels comfortable and safe. Academically, I have 26 research publications to my credit. I’m on the editorial boards of the Archives of Dental Research and Journal of Dental Research and Oral Health, and I’ve spent a lot of time reviewing manuscripts—from case reports to meta-analyses and even book reviews. I was honored to receive the “Best Editor” award by Innovative Publications, and Athena Publications recognized me as an “excellent reviewer,” which honestly came as a bit of a surprise! In 2025, I had the opportunity to present a guest lecture in Italy on traumatic oral lesions. Sharing my work and learning from peers globally has been incredibly fulfilling. Outside academics and clinics, I’ve also worked in the pharmaceutical sector as a Drug Safety Associate for about 3 years, focusing on pharmacovigilance. That role really sharpened my attention to detail and deepened my understanding of drug interactions and adverse effects. My goal is to keep learning, and give every patient and student my absolute best.

45 days ago

Hello dear
See chest pain which is radiating in nature can be attributed to
Muscle sprain
Cardiac issues
Respiratory issues
Cervical issues
Iam suggesting some tests for confirmation
Please share the result with cardiologist/ pulmonary surgeon in person for better clarity and for safety please donot take any medication without consulting the concerned
Serum troponin
Serum tsh
Serum ferritin
Serum LDH
Chest x ray
ECG echo
Serum CRP
Serum LDH
Serum cpk mb
Emr
Spirometry
Hopefully you recover soon
Regards

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Dr. Arsha K Isac

I am a general dentist with 3+ years of working in real-world setups, and lemme say—every single patient teaches me something diff. It’s not just teeth honestly, it’s people… and how they feel walking into the chair. I try really hard to not make it just a “procedure thing.” I explain stuff in plain words—no confusing dental jargon, just straight talk—coz I feel like when ppl *get* what's going on, they feel safer n that makes all the difference. Worked with all ages—like, little kids who need that gentle nudge about brushing, to older folks who come in with long histories and sometimes just need someone to really sit n listen. It’s weirdly rewarding to see someone walk out lighter, not just 'coz their toothache's gone but coz they felt seen during the whole thing. A lot of ppl come in scared or just unsure, and I honestly take that seriously. I keep the vibe calm. Try to read their mood, don’t rush. I always tell myself—every smile’s got a story, even the broken ones. My thing is: comfort first, then precision. I want the outcome to last, not just look good for a week. Not tryna claim perfection or magic solutions—just consistent, clear, hands-on care where patients feel heard. I think dentistry should *fit* the person, not push them into a box. That's kinda been my philosophy from day one. And yeah, maybe sometimes I overexplain or spend a bit too long checking alignment again but hey, if it means someone eats pain-free or finally smiles wide in pics again? Worth it. Every time.

45 days ago

Sudden chest pain with dizziness and nausea can be frightening, and there are several possible causes. The fact that the pain lasted less than an hour, there was no shortness of breath or sweating, and you have significant recent stress makes some serious causes less likely, but they still need to be considered carefully—especially because you now have persistent pain traveling from the ring finger up the arm to the shoulder and back.
One important condition doctors always rule out is Acute Coronary Syndrome, which includes heart attack. This typically causes pressure-like chest pain that may spread to the arm, shoulder, jaw, or back, often with sweating or breathlessness, but sometimes symptoms can be atypical.
Another common cause that fits your description—especially the pain starting in the finger and moving up the arm—is Cervical Radiculopathy. This can produce continuous pain radiating from the hand or fingers up the arm into the shoulder and back, and may be triggered by posture, muscle strain, or a pinched nerve.
Stress and anxiety can also cause episodes of chest pain, dizziness, and nausea through Panic Attack, particularly when stress levels are extreme, as you reported.
Other possible but generally less dangerous causes include Costochondritis (sharp localized chest pain, worse with movement or pressing the area) or acid reflux.
You should seek urgent medical evaluation today (clinic or emergency department) if the arm pain is persistent after a chest pain episode, even if symptoms are moderate. Doctors will typically perform an ECG, check blood tests for heart markers, and possibly evaluate the neck or nerves depending on findings. This is especially important the first time this pattern occurs.
Go to emergency care immediately if any of the following happen: chest pain returns or worsens, pain spreads to the jaw or left arm, shortness of breath develops, you feel faint, or new weakness or numbness appears.
If the pain remains stable but persistent, the most likely causes statistically are nerve-related or musculoskeletal, particularly with stress and possible posture strain, but confirmation with basic tests is the safest next step.

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Dr. Prasannajeet Singh Shekhawat

I am a 2023 batch passout and working as a general physician right now, based in Hanumangarh, Rajasthan. Still kinda new in the bigger picture maybe, but honestly—every single day in this line teaches you more than textbooks ever could. I’ve had the chance to work under some pretty respected doctors during and after my graduation, not just for the clinical part but also to see how they handle people, real people, in pain, in panic, and sometimes just confused about their own health. General medicine covers a lot, right? Like from the smallest complaints to those random, vague symptoms that no one really understands at first—those are kinda my zone now. I don’t really rush to label things, I try to spend time actually listening. Feels weird to say it but ya, I do take that part seriously. Some patients just need someone to hear the whole story instead of jumping to prescription pads after 30 seconds. Right now, my practice includes everything from managing common infections, blood pressure issues, sugar problems to more layered cases where symptoms overlap and you gotta just... piece things together. It's not glamorous all the time, but it's real. I’ve handled a bunch of seasonal disease waves too, like dengue surges and viral fevers that hit rural belts hard—Hanumangarh doesn’t get much spotlight but there’s plenty happening out here. Also, I do rely on basics—thorough history, solid clinical exam and yeah when needed, investigations. But not over-prescribing things just cz they’re there. One thing I picked up from the senior consultants I worked with—they used to say “don’t chase labs, chase the patient’s story”... stuck with me till now. Anyway, still learning every single day tbh. But I like that. Keeps me grounded and kind of obsessed with trying to get better.

45 days ago

Hello
Thank you for sharing these details—your concern is completely understandable.
You’ve described:
- Sudden chest pain (lower left side) radiating to shoulder, back, and behind the left ear
- Dizziness and nausea
- Persistent pain starting from the ring finger, radiating up the arm to the shoulder and back
- No shortness of breath, sweating, or classic arm pain
### What Could Be Going On?
While your symptoms are not classic for a heart attack (no shortness of breath, sweating, or crushing chest pain), chest pain with radiation, dizziness, and nausea always needs to be taken seriously, especially when pain is persistent and involves the arm and back.
Possible causes include:
- Musculoskeletal pain (like a pinched nerve, muscle strain, or cervical spine issue)
- Nerve-related pain (such as cervical radiculopathy or a nerve impingement)
- Less likely but important to rule out: heart-related causes (especially if you have risk factors or family history)
- Gastrointestinal causes (like acid reflux or esophageal spasm)
- Rarely, anxiety or panic attacks can cause similar symptoms
### What Should You Do?
Because your pain is persistent, radiates, and was associated with dizziness and nausea, it’s safest to get checked by a doctor as soon as possible—preferably today. Even though you don’t have all the classic heart symptoms, it’s important to rule out anything serious.
You should seek urgent medical attention if:
- The pain gets worse or becomes severe
- You develop shortness of breath, sweating, fainting, or palpitations
- You feel weak, confused, or have trouble speaking
### What Tests Might Be Needed?
- ECG (Electrocardiogram) and possibly blood tests to rule out heart issues
- Chest X-ray
- Neck and spine evaluation if nerve pain is suspected
Bottom line: Please see a doctor or visit the ER/urgent care for an evaluation. It’s always better to be safe with chest pain, especially with your symptoms.
Thank you

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Dr. Nikhil Chauhan

I am currently working as a urologist and kidney transplant surgeon at Graphic Era Medical College & Hospital, Dehradun. It's a role that keeps me on my toes, honestly. I handle a pretty wide range of urology cases—stones, prostate issues, urinary tract obstructions, infections, you name it. Some are straightforward, others way more complex than you expect at first glance. Every patient walks in with a different story and that’s what keeps the work real for me. Kidney transplant surgery, though, that’s a whole different zone. You’re not just working on anatomy—you’re dealing with timelines, matching, medications, family dynamics, emotional pressure... and yeah, very precise coordination. I’m part of a team that manages the entire transplant process—from evaluation to surgery to post-op care. Not gonna lie, it’s intense. But seeing someone who’s been on dialysis for years finally get a new shot at life—there’s nothing really like that feeling. In the OR, I’m detail-focused. Outside of it, I try to stay accessible—patients don’t always need answers right away, sometimes they just need to feel heard. I believe in walking them through what’s going on rather than just giving reports and instructions. Especially in transplant cases, trust matters. And clear, honest conversation helps build that. Urology itself is such a misunderstood field sometimes. People ignore symptoms for years because it feels “awkward” or they think it’s not serious until it becomes unmanageable. I’ve had patients who came in late just because they were embarassed to talk about urine flow or testicular pain. That’s why I also try to make the space judgment-free—like whatever it is, we’ll figure it out. At the end of the day, whether I’m scrubbing in for surgery or doing OPD rounds, I just want to make sure what I do *actually* helps. That the effort’s not wasted. And yeah, some days are frustrating—some procedures don’t go clean, some recoveries take longer than they should—but I keep showing up, cause the work’s worth doing. Always is.

44 days ago

Hi patient ⚠️
Your symptoms – lower left chest pain radiating to shoulder, back, behind left ear + dizziness + nausea – are concerning. Even without shortness of breath or sweating, this could be heart-related (angina, arrhythmia, or silent MI) or other serious issues (e.g., aortic dissection, esophageal spasm).
Do not wait. Seek urgent medical evaluation immediately – go to an emergency room or call for help.
Why urgent?
· Pain radiation to back & ear + dizziness = possible cardiac or vascular origin
· Past mild episodes + now worse with nausea = pattern may be progressing
· Stress + prescription meds (unknown) – need ECG and blood work to rule out heart attack
What to do right now:
· Do not drive yourself – get someone to take you or call emergency services
· Do not eat or drink (in case procedure needed)
· Tell ER doctor: pain radiation, dizziness, nausea, meds you take, recent stress
· Avoid taking any painkiller unless advised by ER
Do not ignore – even if symptoms have eased, underlying cause remains risky.
Dr Nikhil Chauhan

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