Chest Discomfort and Numbness: When to See a Specialist?

Chest tightness and numbness in the hands and feet?

Last week, I visited a clinic due to discomfort in my chest.
I underwent an electrocardiogram (ECG) and an X-ray.
After reviewing the results, the doctor said there were no significant issues and advised me to monitor my condition.
Subsequently, the chest discomfort improved significantly.
However, today I suddenly experienced chest discomfort again, along with discomfort in both shoulders, numbness in my hands and feet, and even facial numbness.
Should I see a cardiologist for further evaluation? If the cardiology tests come back normal, which specialty should I consult next?

mina, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2020/08/21

Dr. Ye Qianyu reply Family Medicine

Hello, based on your description, if there are no internal medicine issues found during the cardiology examination, it is recommended that you seek treatment from a psychiatry department.

Reply Date: 2020/08/21

More Info

Experiencing chest discomfort and numbness can be concerning, especially when symptoms fluctuate or worsen over time. Given your recent history of chest discomfort, shoulder discomfort, and numbness in your extremities and face, it is essential to approach this situation with caution and seek appropriate medical advice.

Initially, it is good to hear that you have already consulted a physician and undergone basic evaluations, including an electrocardiogram (EKG) and chest X-ray. These tests are crucial first steps in ruling out immediate cardiac issues. However, since you are experiencing a recurrence of symptoms, it is advisable to follow up with a specialist, particularly a cardiologist.
A cardiologist can perform more comprehensive evaluations, such as a stress test, echocardiogram, or even advanced imaging techniques like a cardiac MRI or CT angiography, to assess for any underlying heart conditions that may not have been evident in the initial tests. Given that you are experiencing symptoms like shoulder discomfort and numbness in your arms and face, it is also important to consider other potential causes, including musculoskeletal issues, anxiety, or even neurological conditions.

If the cardiologist determines that your heart is functioning normally and no cardiac issues are present, the next step would be to consult with other specialists based on your symptoms. For instance:
1. Neurologist: If your symptoms of numbness and tingling persist or worsen, a neurologist can evaluate for conditions such as peripheral neuropathy, multiple sclerosis, or other neurological disorders.

2. Pulmonologist: If there are any concerns about your breathing or if you have a history of respiratory issues, a pulmonologist can assess for lung-related problems that may contribute to your symptoms.

3. Psychiatrist or Psychologist: If anxiety or stress is suspected to be a contributing factor to your symptoms, consulting with a mental health professional can be beneficial. Anxiety can manifest physically, leading to symptoms such as chest discomfort and numbness.

4. Orthopedic Specialist: If your shoulder discomfort is significant, an orthopedic evaluation may help determine if there are any musculoskeletal issues contributing to your symptoms.

In summary, given your current symptoms and their recurrence, it is prudent to see a cardiologist first for a thorough evaluation of your heart health. If cardiac issues are ruled out, you can then explore other specialties based on the nature of your symptoms. Remember, it is always better to err on the side of caution when it comes to health concerns, especially those involving chest discomfort. Keeping a detailed record of your symptoms, including when they occur and their intensity, can also be helpful for your healthcare providers in diagnosing your condition accurately.

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