Can bicep pain be heart related?

Author: Meaghan McDermott PhD  |  Last update: Monday, July 14, 2025

Possible causes of pain in the middle of the biceps include muscle strain, bruising, and more. In rare cases, it can be due to a heart attack.

What part of your arm hurts when you have heart problems?

In men, the left arm pain will move from the shoulder down the left arm or up to the chin. If the pain comes on suddenly and is unusually severe, or is accompanied by pressure or squeezing in the chest, seek emergency treatment immediately. In women, the pain can be subtler. It can radiate to the right or left arm.

Is heart attack pain in the bicep?

Symptoms of a heart attack can include: chest pain – a feeling of pressure, heaviness, tightness or squeezing across your chest. pain in other parts of the body – it can feel as if the pain is spreading from your chest to your arms (usually the left arm, but it can affect both arms), jaw, neck, back and tummy.

When should I worry about bicep pain?

Many cases of biceps tendonitis will go away within a few weeks of simple measures, including rest, ice and NSAIDs. But if your pain makes it difficult to perform your usual daily activities and self-care hasn't improved your condition, you should see your healthcare provider for further treatment.

How do you know the difference between muscle pain and heart pain in your arm?

This pain can also come with other symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, sweating, dizziness or nausea. While muscle pain can sometimes be sharp and clearly linked to movement, heart pain is more likely to feel like pressure or squeezing that doesn't go away.

Cardiac pain vs Cervical spondylitis | Dr. K Vamsi Krishna | CARE Hospitals, Nampally

How to check heart blockage at home?

“There is no reliable way to check for a heart blockage or heart attack at home,” Dr. Chen says. These can only be confirmed through medical testing, which may include blood tests, electrocardiography (EKG), echocardiography, cardiac catheterization, and other imaging tests.

What does angina arm pain feel like?

Signs and Symptoms of Angina

You may also have pressure, squeezing, burning, or tightness in your arms, shoulders, neck, jaw, throat, or back. Some people may have different symptoms, including shortness of breath, fatigue, weakness, and back, arm, or neck pain.

Why does my upper bicep hurt?

Bicep tendonitis is an inflammation of the tendons that connect the biceps muscle, at the front of your arm, to the shoulder and the elbow. A repetitive motion injury, bicep tendonitis often results from overuse caused by a repeated overhead motion.

How to know if left arm pain is not heart related?

Left arm pain is probably not a result of heart problems if it has the following characteristics: The pain has a “stabbing” quality and lasts only a few seconds at a time. The pain only happens with movement or when touching something. The pain only occurs across a small area of the arm.

What happens if you ignore bicep tendonitis?

A nagging pain and weakness may feel like something you can ignore and “push through,” but know that biceps tendonitis, if it progresses to frays and a more significant breakdown of tissue, can lead to a partial or full rupture of the biceps tendon.

What is a pre-heart attack?

Some heart attacks strike suddenly. But many people have warning signs and symptoms hours, days or weeks in advance. Chest pain or pressure (angina) that keeps happening and doesn't go away with rest may be an early warning sign. Angina is caused by a temporary decrease in blood flow to the heart.

Why does my left bicep hurt?

Pain at the top of the biceps, near the shoulder, or at the bottom, near the elbow, may result from tendonitis. However, pain in the middle of the biceps is likely caused by a muscle strain or bruise. Either can happen during sports or other strenuous activities, such as heavy lifting.

How long does your arm hurt before a heart attack?

This can vary from person to person. With some, there are arm pain hours before, while with others, the pain may linger for a week before a heart attack.

What are the five heart disease symptoms you should never ignore?

Often, your body sends signs that your heart needs care—symptoms you should not ignore. These include chest pain, shortness of breath, heart palpitations, loss of consciousness, and dizziness. If you have experienced any of these symptoms, make an appointment to see your doctor.

Is heart pain in the left or right arm?

Classically, heart pain is in the center or left side of the chest, and it may radiate down the left arm or into the jaw. But not every patient experiences the typical “elephant-on-your-chest” feeling. Sometimes, nausea, shortness of breath or feelings of indigestion are the most prominent symptoms.

When should I be worried about upper arm pain?

Go to an urgent treatment centre or A&E if: you have severe pain in your arm and it's difficult to move. you've injured your arm and you heard a snapping noise or your arm has changed shape. your arm tingles or feels numb.

Does arm pain come and go with heart problems?

There may be discomfort you wouldn't define as “pain” and it may be felt in other places, like the inner arm — often, but not always, the left arm — or in the jaw or teeth. It may get worse with activity and improve with rest. It may come and go, increasing a bit each time it comes.

What are 6 common non-cardiac causes of chest pain?

Causes of NCCP outside of the food pipe:
  • Bone and muscle disorders of the chest wall or back.
  • Lung disorders.
  • Disorders of the layers of tissue that cover the lungs.
  • Disorders of the layer of tissue that protects the heart.
  • Ulcers.
  • Gallbladder disorders.
  • Pancreas disorders.
  • Tumors (more so in patients past age 50)

What does anxiety arm pain feel like?

Common symptoms include a dull ache, tingling sensations, and muscle tension in the arms. These symptoms can range from mild, transient discomfort to more severe and persistent pain, depending on the intensity of the anxiety.

Can you have left arm pain without chest pain?

Pain in the left arm without chest pain can result from various issues, including injuries and nerve damage. Symptoms can also include arm throbbing, swelling, or numbness. Depending on the cause, the pain may feel like a dull ache or a sharp, stabbing pain.

What does a bicep tendonitis feel like?

According the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, the common symptoms of biceps tendonitis include: Pain or tenderness in the front of the shoulder, which worsens with overhead lifting or activity. Pain or achiness that moves down the upper arm bone. An occasional snapping sound or sensation in the shoulder.

Should you massage bicep tendonitis?

Massage. Bicep tendonitis massage is one of the most commonly used modalities for biceps tendinitis treatment. It helps stimulate collagen formation around the tendon, decrease pain, and improve circulation and tissue mobility.

Does angina show up on EKG?

An electrocardiogram (ECG) can help recognize types of angina and other serious heart problems. Certain ECG patterns can be a sign of unstable angina or vasospastic angina. However, your ECG may sometimes be normal even if you have angina.

What is the life expectancy of someone with angina?

The 12-year survival rate for people with angina and an ejection fraction of greater than 50% is approximately 73%. The average 12-year survival rate for people with angina and an ejection fraction of less than 35% is 21%. 14. Mortality rates from coronary heart disease have declined in the U.S. in recent years.

What drink is good for angina?

Water is the drink of choice for heart health. If you're thirsty, drink water. When the weather is warm or we're exercising, our bodies need more water than usual. Unflavoured milk, tea and coffee can be enjoyed in moderation.

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