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What Causes Cold Sensation In The Left Hand?

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Posted on Fri, 28 Apr 2017
Question: 1. Lately, in the mornings, I have noticed that my right hand is somewhat colder than my left hand. The difference in temperature is noticeable. But after I eat something then the temperature in both hands becomes the same.

2. Several weeks ago, I noticed the following while exercising in cold weather outside: at first both my hands were very cold. Then after some exercise, my right hand became warm but the left hand remained extremely cold. Then after more exercise, the left hand warmed up, and both hand were became the same temperature. I brought this to the attention of my cardiologist - but he was not concerned by it.

3. I would like a second opinion on both these situations. Is the scenario explained in #1 & #2 above something to be concerned about?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Rahul Rathee (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
Hello . No there is nothing to worry about

Detailed Answer:
Hello XXXXXXX
How are you?
I am Dr.Rahul and it would be my pleasure to answer and clear your doubts.

The difference in temperature of two hands is a common phenomenon until and unless there is an observable change in the color of hand, that is, the hand you feel cold turning to bluish and the warm hand turning noticeably reddish along with a feeling of numbness or tingling in either hand.

The temperature of your hands or for that matter any body part depends upon basically 3 factors -
(1) Blood vessels
(2) Muscles
(3) Nerves

What happens normally is when a person uses his hands or any body part to perform any activity, the nerves sends a signal to the brain which in turn sends a signal to the muscles of that body part (hands in your case) causing muscles to contract and finally the muscle contraction, in turn, increases the blood supply of the hands to supply enough oxygen to the contracting muscles.

At times we use our one hand more than the other without noticing the difference, which causes a difference in the extent of muscle contraction and blood supply.

Less is the muscle contraction, lesser will be the blood supply to that region, cooler it will feel and vice-versa.

If there is no significant change in color of the skin of your hands and no feeling of tingling sensation or numbness, you don't need to worry at all. It's as normal as it could be to feel the different temperature in both hands especially while exercising or doing any other activity using hands.

I hope I have answered your doubts to your satisfaction but if you have any more doubts , please feel free to ask.

Take Care XXXXXXX
Dr.Rahul Rathee.
Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee
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Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Rahul Rathee

Internal Medicine Specialist

Practicing since :1999

Answered : 451 Questions

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What Causes Cold Sensation In The Left Hand?

Brief Answer: Hello . No there is nothing to worry about Detailed Answer: Hello XXXXXXX How are you? I am Dr.Rahul and it would be my pleasure to answer and clear your doubts. The difference in temperature of two hands is a common phenomenon until and unless there is an observable change in the color of hand, that is, the hand you feel cold turning to bluish and the warm hand turning noticeably reddish along with a feeling of numbness or tingling in either hand. The temperature of your hands or for that matter any body part depends upon basically 3 factors - (1) Blood vessels (2) Muscles (3) Nerves What happens normally is when a person uses his hands or any body part to perform any activity, the nerves sends a signal to the brain which in turn sends a signal to the muscles of that body part (hands in your case) causing muscles to contract and finally the muscle contraction, in turn, increases the blood supply of the hands to supply enough oxygen to the contracting muscles. At times we use our one hand more than the other without noticing the difference, which causes a difference in the extent of muscle contraction and blood supply. Less is the muscle contraction, lesser will be the blood supply to that region, cooler it will feel and vice-versa. If there is no significant change in color of the skin of your hands and no feeling of tingling sensation or numbness, you don't need to worry at all. It's as normal as it could be to feel the different temperature in both hands especially while exercising or doing any other activity using hands. I hope I have answered your doubts to your satisfaction but if you have any more doubts , please feel free to ask. Take Care XXXXXXX Dr.Rahul Rathee.