Can left leg pain indicate heart problems?

Sometimes, leg pain can indicate that a person is at risk of developing heart disease. Peripheral artery disease (PAD) occurs when the peripheral arteries become narrow, and fatty deposits start to build up.

Can leg pain be a symptom of heart attack?

“Most assume that all leg pain is musculoskeletal or nerve-related, but people need to know that some forms of leg pain can be the first sign of heart disease.” Claudication is the medical term for leg pain that happens during activity.

How leg pain is associated with chest discomfort?

Chest pain and leg pain are two symptoms that do not typically appear together. However, they can co-occur if a surgeon takes a vein graft from a person’s leg as part of cardiac surgery or if a person has peripheral artery disease. A person should see a doctor if they have chest pain or persistent or severe leg pain.

Can heart problems affect your legs?

Swelling (edema) in your lower legs is another sign of a heart problem. When your heart doesn’t work as well, blood flow slows and backs up in the veins in your legs. This causes fluid to build up in your tissues. You may also have swelling in your stomach or notice some weight gain.

When should I go to the ER for leg pain?

Call for immediate medical help or go to an emergency room if you: Have a leg injury with a deep cut or exposed bone or tendon. Are unable to walk or put weight on your leg. Have pain, swelling, redness or warmth in your calf.

What does it mean when your left leg hurts?

Most leg pain results from wear and tear, overuse, or injuries in joints or bones or in muscles, ligaments, tendons or other soft tissues. Some types of leg pain can be traced to problems in your lower spine. Leg pain can also be caused by blood clots, varicose veins or poor circulation.

Which leg has main artery?

femoral artery
The femoral artery is the major blood vessel supplying blood to your legs. It’s in your upper thigh, right near your groin. The artery is a common access point for minimally invasive, catheter-based procedures because of its large diameter.

What is causing my left side chest pain?

Chest wall pain: Below your breast there are chest wall muscles that may spasm during times of anxiety and stress, causing pain that may last just a few seconds or several days. Pain from tense chest wall muscles can occur on the left side only, or on the right.

What causes pain on the side of the chest?

Thankfully, pains in the right side of the chest aren’t usually connected with heart problems, although in rare instances right-side chest pain occurs during a heart attack. Some common causes of right side chest pain are lung infections, gallbladder disease, pancreatitis, rib fracture, or shingles.

What causes chest pain when lying on left side?

Though a stabbing pain in the chest when lying on the left side can be caused by muscle, it can also be caused by a heart problem. “Stabbing chest pains can arise from the heart, the lungs, the GI system or the musculoskeletal system,” says Nichole M. Polin, MD, FACC, Director, Cardio-Oncology Clinic, Ochsner Health System.

What causes chest pain and leg swelling?

Common causes of leg swelling include salt retention, cellulitis, congestive heart failure, venous insufficiency, pregnancy, and medication side effects.