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What Causes Chest Tightness And Tingling Sensation In Little Finger Of Left Hand?
Question: I have been suffering from panic attacks and have been given propanol to take. the last few days I feel like I have a tight chest and tingling in my little finger on my left hand. if I distract myself it goes away. I just can't stop thinking about it. it's affecting my everyday life as I have had to stay off work. what could it be? any help would be appreciated as I am worried sick
Brief Answer:
likely related to your anxiety/panic episodes
Detailed Answer:
HI, thanks for using healthcare magic
It is understandable to be concerned about any chest tightness and abnormal sensations but it is possible , since they resolve with distraction, that they are related to your anxiety/panic attacks.
Panic attacks are one form of anxiety disorders.
Anxiety can be associated with a range of symptoms including quite commonly chest symptoms such as chest tightness, palpitations, shortness of breath. It can also cause paresthesia- abnormal sensations
If the chest tightness was related to abnormal heart function, it would not resolve with distraction.
The heart works more with activity and pain tends to occur at this time and resolve with rest.
In a heart attack the pain is continuous and severe resolving with medical treatment.
In addition to the propanolol (which would only treat symptoms caused by anxiety and not anxiety itself), you may need to consider treating the anxiety itself.
There are a number of different medications that can be used, they can take 1 to 3 weeks to take effect eg zoloft, prozac, cymbalta, bupropion, citalopram, fluoxetine
Counselling sessions may also be helpful as well.
I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions
likely related to your anxiety/panic episodes
Detailed Answer:
HI, thanks for using healthcare magic
It is understandable to be concerned about any chest tightness and abnormal sensations but it is possible , since they resolve with distraction, that they are related to your anxiety/panic attacks.
Panic attacks are one form of anxiety disorders.
Anxiety can be associated with a range of symptoms including quite commonly chest symptoms such as chest tightness, palpitations, shortness of breath. It can also cause paresthesia- abnormal sensations
If the chest tightness was related to abnormal heart function, it would not resolve with distraction.
The heart works more with activity and pain tends to occur at this time and resolve with rest.
In a heart attack the pain is continuous and severe resolving with medical treatment.
In addition to the propanolol (which would only treat symptoms caused by anxiety and not anxiety itself), you may need to consider treating the anxiety itself.
There are a number of different medications that can be used, they can take 1 to 3 weeks to take effect eg zoloft, prozac, cymbalta, bupropion, citalopram, fluoxetine
Counselling sessions may also be helpful as well.
I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions
Note: For further guidance on mental health, Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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