Pain under the left breast most often comes from the chest wall, such as a strained muscle or costochondritis, from the stomach or gas, or from breast tissue itself. Because the heart sits behind this area, pressure or squeezing under the left breast, especially with exertion, breathlessness, sweating or pain in the arm or jaw, can be heart-related and needs prompt or emergency care.
Medically reviewed by
Board-certified cardiologist · Katy & Sugar Land, TX
Fellowship-trained in cardiovascular disease, interventional cardiology, echocardiography and advanced heart failure and transplant cardiology. Former Assistant Professor of Cardiology at McGovern Medical School.
What causes pain under the left breast?
The area under the left breast holds several organs within a few inches of each other: the ribs and chest muscles, the lower part of the left lung and its lining, the heart and the sac around it, and just below the diaphragm, the stomach, spleen and part of the pancreas. Pain in this spot can come from any of them.
| Cause | Typical clues | Urgency |
|---|---|---|
| Heart attack or angina | Pressure, squeezing or heaviness; with exertion; spreads to arm, jaw or back; breathlessness, sweating | 911 if ongoing; cardiology if exertional |
| Pericarditis | Sharp pain worse lying down or breathing, better leaning forward | Same-day care |
| Costochondritis or muscle strain | Tender to press, worse with movement, twisting or deep breaths | See a doctor if persistent |
| Stomach, gas or gastritis | Burning or gnawing, related to meals, bloating, belching | See a doctor if frequent |
| Pleurisy, pneumonia or lung clot | Sharp pain with breathing, cough, fever or sudden breathlessness | 911 for sudden breathlessness |
| Spleen or pancreas | Upper left abdominal pain under the ribs, may reach the back or left shoulder | Urgent if severe |
| Breast pain | Linked to menstrual cycle, tenderness in breast tissue | See a doctor if new or with a lump |
| Shingles | Burning band of pain on one side, rash appears days later | See a doctor promptly |
When pain under the left breast is your heart
The heart sits in the center of the chest, tilted to the left, so heart pain is often felt centrally or slightly left. Angina and heart attacks typically cause a diffuse pressure rather than a sharp pain you can point to with one finger. The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute lists chest discomfort with pain in the arms, jaw, neck or back, shortness of breath, cold sweat and nausea among heart attack symptoms.
Women more often notice less typical symptoms, such as discomfort under the left breast with fatigue, nausea or breathlessness. Learn more in heart attack symptoms in women.
- Pressure, squeezing or heaviness lasting more than a few minutes
- Pain spreading to the left arm, shoulder, jaw, neck or back
- Shortness of breath, cold sweat, nausea or lightheadedness
- Fainting or a racing, irregular heartbeat
- Sudden sharp pain with breathlessness or coughing blood
Sharp vs. dull pain under the left breast
Sharp, stabbing pain that lasts seconds, is tender to touch, or changes with breathing or movement usually comes from the chest wall, lungs or the lining around the heart (pericarditis). Dull, heavy or squeezing pain that builds over minutes, especially with exertion, is more concerning for the heart. These are patterns, not rules, and only an evaluation can confirm the cause. Read more about chest pain when breathing.
Digestive causes on the left side
The stomach sits just under the left diaphragm. Gastritis, ulcers, trapped gas and reflux can cause burning or gnawing pain under the left breast, often linked to meals. The spleen and the tail of the pancreas also sit in the upper left abdomen; an enlarged or injured spleen, or pancreatitis, can cause pain under the left ribs that may spread to the back or left shoulder. See chest pain after eating.
How doctors evaluate left-sided chest pain
A careful history and exam often narrow the cause quickly. Depending on findings, tests may include an EKG, blood tests, a chest X-ray, an echocardiogram, a stress test if pain comes with exertion, or abdominal ultrasound when the stomach, spleen or pancreas may be involved. Breast pain with a lump or skin change should be checked with your primary care doctor or gynecologist.
Relief and when to follow up
Chest wall pain usually improves with rest, heat, gentle stretching and avoiding the movements that trigger it. Stomach-related pain often improves with smaller meals and avoiding triggers. Return for care if pain lasts more than a week or two, keeps returning, or new symptoms appear.
Left-sided chest pain evaluation in Katy and Sugar Land
Advanced Cardiology evaluates left-sided chest pain at our Katy and Sugar Land offices. Dr. Khalid looks for heart causes such as angina and pericarditis, with EKG and echocardiogram testing available in the office, and coordinates with your other doctors when the cause is elsewhere. Learn about our chest pain care.
Katy office: 410 W Grand Pkwy S, Suite 4D, Katy, TX 77494
Sugar Land office: 7102 Tarrington Ave, Suite 505, Sugar Land, TX 77479
Phone: (713) 258-6111
We also see patients from Fulshear, Richmond, Rosenberg, Stafford, Missouri City and west Houston.
Recurring pain under the left breast?
Get a clear answer about your heart. Request a cardiology visit in Katy or Sugar Land.
Having symptoms right now? Call 911. Do not wait for an appointment.
Frequently asked questions
What causes pain under the left breast?
Common causes include chest wall strain, costochondritis, gas, gastritis, breast pain and lung irritation. Heart causes include angina, heart attack and pericarditis. Pain with warning signs needs emergency care.
Is pain under the left breast a heart attack?
It can be, especially if it feels like pressure, comes with exertion or spreads to the arm, jaw or back, or comes with breathlessness, sweating or nausea. Call 911 for these symptoms.
What does sharp pain under the left breast mean?
Brief, sharp pain that is tender to touch or changes with movement usually comes from the chest wall. Sharp pain that worsens with breathing may be pleurisy or pericarditis. New or persistent pain should be evaluated.
Can gas cause pain under the left breast?
Yes. Trapped gas in the stomach or bowel can cause sharp or crampy pain under the left ribs that eases with burping or passing gas.
Why do women get pain under the left breast?
Women may experience breast-related pain linked to hormones, as well as chest wall and digestive causes. Women can also have heart attacks with less typical symptoms, so pain with other warning signs needs care.
When should I see a doctor for pain under the left breast?
See a doctor if pain keeps returning, lasts more than a week or two, comes with exertion, or you have heart risk factors. Call 911 for severe pain or warning signs.
Trusted health resources
- Heart Attack: Symptoms, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NIH)
- Costochondritis, MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia
- Pericarditis, MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia
- Chest pain, MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia
- Shingles, MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine
Medical disclaimer: This article is for general education and is not a diagnosis or a substitute for care from your own doctor. If you think you may be having a heart attack, stroke or another emergency, call 911 right away.
