Rapid Heartbeat and Left Arm Numbness: Should I Be Concerned?

Q: Rapid Heartbeat and Left Arm Numbness: Should I Be Concerned?

Dear Ms. <br>Mabel：<br>1. <br>You have experienced two episodes of palpitations accompanied by discomfort in your left upper limb, as well as chest discomfort. <br>There are many potential causes for these symptoms, including myocardial ischemia, coronary artery spasm, tachycardi

Feeling a rapid heartbeat and slight numbness in the left arm?

Doctor, two weeks ago, one night while studying, I suddenly felt a sharp pain in the middle of my chest, near the left side.
I then experienced a rapid heartbeat, along with some numbness in my left arm and leg.
I wasn't sure if it was due to anxiety or something else.
That night, I still felt some pain and numbness while trying to sleep, and I was sweating profusely, waking up easily.
The next morning, my condition improved, but I continued to feel that my heart was beating faster than usual, and there was slight numbness in my left arm and leg.
This situation lasted for a day or two before it resolved.
However, two weeks later, one afternoon, I suddenly felt my heart racing again, and I could feel the blood vessels in my left arm, especially in my fingers, pulsing with my heartbeat.
I also felt discomfort in my chest and found it hard to calm down.
Could this be a heart problem? Thank you.

Mabel, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2016/10/16

Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Internal Medicine

Dear Ms.
Mabel:
1.
You have experienced two episodes of palpitations accompanied by discomfort in your left upper limb, as well as chest discomfort.
There are many potential causes for these symptoms, including myocardial ischemia, coronary artery spasm, tachycardia, arrhythmia, anxiety disorders, somatoform disorders, neuralgia, thyroid disorders, medications, and more.
Since your symptoms did not occur during exercise or emotional stress, and considering your young age, it may be less likely to be typical myocardial ischemia.
Additionally, the absence of regular symptoms and typical complaints may suggest that it is not a thyroid issue.
However, it is still advisable for you to consult your primary care physician or visit a cardiology clinic for appropriate examinations to seek a resolution.
2.
I personally recommend that you avoid beverages such as coffee, tea, and cola; furthermore, highly stimulating foods should also be avoided.
During your study breaks, you should engage in moderate exercise and stretching; try to avoid excessive sedentary behavior.

Reply Date: 2016/10/16

More Info

Experiencing rapid heartbeat and numbness in the left arm can understandably cause concern, especially when accompanied by chest pain and other symptoms. While these symptoms can be alarming, it is essential to consider various factors before jumping to conclusions about potential heart problems.

Firstly, the symptoms you described—sharp pain in the chest, rapid heartbeat, and numbness in the left arm—can be associated with several conditions. These include anxiety or panic attacks, musculoskeletal issues, or even nerve compression, rather than solely heart-related issues. Given your age and the transient nature of your symptoms, it is less likely that you are experiencing a classic heart condition such as myocardial ischemia or a heart attack. However, it is crucial to rule out any serious underlying conditions.

Anxiety and stress can manifest physically in many ways, including increased heart rate (tachycardia), chest discomfort, and numbness or tingling in the extremities. The fact that your symptoms improved after a couple of days and that you have experienced them intermittently suggests that they may be related to anxiety rather than a chronic heart issue. Additionally, the cold sweats and difficulty sleeping can also be indicative of anxiety or panic attacks.

However, it is essential to take your symptoms seriously, especially since they involve the left arm and chest. In some cases, left arm numbness can be a sign of cardiac distress, particularly if it occurs alongside chest pain or discomfort. Therefore, it is advisable to consult a healthcare professional who can perform a thorough evaluation, including a physical examination and possibly an electrocardiogram (ECG) or other diagnostic tests to rule out any cardiac issues.

In the meantime, consider the following recommendations:
1. Monitor Your Symptoms: Keep a detailed record of your symptoms, including when they occur, their duration, and any associated factors (such as stress levels, physical activity, or dietary habits). This information can be helpful for your healthcare provider.

2. Lifestyle Modifications: Reducing caffeine intake, avoiding stimulants, and practicing relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, or yoga may help alleviate anxiety and its physical manifestations.

3. Physical Activity: Engaging in regular, moderate exercise can improve cardiovascular health and reduce anxiety. However, if you experience symptoms during exercise, it is crucial to stop and seek medical advice.

4. Seek Professional Help: Given the nature of your symptoms, it is wise to consult with a healthcare provider. They may recommend seeing a cardiologist for further evaluation, especially considering your family history of heart disease.

5. Consider Psychological Factors: If anxiety is suspected, a mental health professional can provide strategies to manage stress and anxiety, which may help alleviate your physical symptoms.

In conclusion, while your symptoms could be related to anxiety or other non-cardiac issues, it is essential to consult a healthcare professional for a thorough evaluation. They can help determine the underlying cause of your symptoms and recommend appropriate treatment or lifestyle changes. Remember, it is always better to err on the side of caution when it comes to health concerns, especially those involving the heart.

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