Heartburn and left arm pain: what to know

Reflux can cause burning behind the breastbone and a sour taste, particularly after eating or when lying down. However, pain from the heart may also be felt as pressure, heaviness, burning, or indigestion and may spread into an arm. The presence of heartburn does not explain away arm pain. Heartburn itself is a symptom, not a diagnosis, and the symptom pattern cannot safely rule out a serious cause at home.

Stop exertion, sit somewhere safe, and seek emergency medical help if the pain is present now, is new, or is accompanied by breathlessness, sweating, nausea, dizziness, faintness, or discomfort in the jaw, back, or shoulder. Do not drive yourself if you feel unwell. Even if the discomfort settles, arrange prompt assessment because symptoms can come and go. Only after urgent causes have been considered should reflux measures or acid-reducing treatment be used as the explanation.

Treat chest discomfort with left arm pain as urgent, particularly during activity or when it feels heavy, tight, or unfamiliar. Emergency assessment is also needed for sudden weakness, confusion, collapse, or severe breathlessness. A clinician may need to check the heart and other causes before calling the symptom reflux.

Ask what caused the symptoms, whether heart testing or other evaluation is needed, and which features should prompt emergency help in future. If reflux remains likely, ask about triggers and a safe treatment plan.