HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

question-icon

What Causes Acute Numbness And Burning Itch In Hands When Having History Of Heart Disease And Bypass?

default
Posted on Thu, 26 Dec 2013
Question: I am 80 yrs old. I have acute numbness often each day in my hands and fingers that develop into an intense burning itch....many times the only way I can slow/stop the itch is to immerse my hands in cold water... If relevant, I have a heart disease history, bypass etc... the condition in my hands is incresing in intensity... What can cause this?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar (24 minutes later)
Brief Answer: Claudication Detailed Answer: Hi I would think of claudication I mean spasm of the blood vessels supplying the hands. The blood flow is not complete to the peripheral areas of your body. The reason for this are many in older people. It could be similar to what happened to the heart and that is why you underwent bypass. Physicians generally prescribe aspirin and pentoxifylline in such cases. They partly help to restore the circulation and symptoms alleviate. I am sure you are already on aspirin for heart disease. I suggest you to visit a general surgeon/vascular surgeon for appropriate medication. Hope this helpful.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Aparna Kohli
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2004

Answered : 2086 Questions

Ask me a question
premium_optimized

The User accepted the expert's answer

Ask a Neurologist
Share on

Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties

159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM Blog Questions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction
backtotop2
What Causes Acute Numbness And Burning Itch In Hands When Having History Of Heart Disease And Bypass?

Brief Answer: Claudication Detailed Answer: Hi I would think of claudication I mean spasm of the blood vessels supplying the hands. The blood flow is not complete to the peripheral areas of your body. The reason for this are many in older people. It could be similar to what happened to the heart and that is why you underwent bypass. Physicians generally prescribe aspirin and pentoxifylline in such cases. They partly help to restore the circulation and symptoms alleviate. I am sure you are already on aspirin for heart disease. I suggest you to visit a general surgeon/vascular surgeon for appropriate medication. Hope this helpful.