Dizziness, Nausea, and Chest Pain: When to Seek Help

Recently, I have been experiencing dizziness, nausea, and sharp pain in my left chest?

Recently (on March 1), I suddenly felt dizzy, nauseous, and my balance was unstable, with these symptoms occurring intermittently.
Later (on March 4), I experienced a heavy feeling in my head, sharp pain in my left chest, and some numbness in my left arm.
My daily routine and diet have not changed significantly in the past few days, and I occasionally do neck stretches.
What could be the cause of these symptoms? If I need to seek medical attention, which specialty should I consult? Thank you!

Ya Ming, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2016/03/04

Dr. He Dongjin reply Cardiology

Hello, you may be experiencing vestibular dysfunction, and it would be advisable to consult a neurologist for further evaluation and treatment.
Pingan Changhua Hospital is here to assist you.

Reply Date: 2016/03/04

More Info

Dizziness, nausea, chest pain, and numbness in the arm can be concerning symptoms that warrant immediate medical attention. Based on your description, it is essential to consider several potential causes for these symptoms, as they can range from benign to serious conditions.

Firstly, dizziness and nausea can be caused by various factors, including inner ear issues (such as vestibular disorders), dehydration, low blood sugar, or even anxiety. However, the presence of chest pain and numbness in the left arm raises the concern for more serious conditions, particularly cardiovascular issues.
Chest pain, especially if it is sharp or stabbing, can be indicative of several conditions, including angina (chest pain due to reduced blood flow to the heart), myocardial infarction (heart attack), or even conditions affecting the lungs, such as pulmonary embolism. The numbness in your left arm is particularly concerning, as it can be associated with heart-related issues, especially if it occurs alongside chest pain.
Given these symptoms, it is crucial to seek medical attention promptly. You should consider going to the emergency department (ED) or an urgent care facility, especially if the symptoms are severe or worsening. In the ED, they will likely perform a series of tests, including an electrocardiogram (ECG), blood tests, and possibly imaging studies to rule out any serious cardiovascular issues.

If your symptoms are less severe and you are looking for a follow-up after initial evaluation, you may want to see a primary care physician or a cardiologist. A primary care physician can help assess your overall health and determine if a referral to a specialist is necessary. A cardiologist specializes in heart-related conditions and can provide further evaluation and management if your symptoms are related to cardiovascular health.

In addition to cardiovascular concerns, it’s also essential to consider other potential causes of dizziness and nausea, such as neurological issues. If your symptoms persist or if you experience additional symptoms like severe headache, vision changes, or difficulty speaking, you should seek immediate medical attention as these could indicate a stroke or other neurological condition.

In summary, your symptoms of dizziness, nausea, chest pain, and left arm numbness are concerning and should not be ignored. It is advisable to seek immediate medical attention, preferably at an emergency department, where they can conduct a thorough evaluation to determine the underlying cause and provide appropriate treatment. Remember, it is always better to err on the side of caution when it comes to symptoms that could indicate a serious health issue.

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