What Causes In Pain In Left Arm And Chest?

Posted on Sat, 10 Jan 2015

Question: I'm 21 years old struggling with reoccurring left arm pain sometimes accompanied with chest pain. Shortness of breath with little to no exertion, as well as heart palpitations and night sweats. I have been avoiding caffeine and any products that could induce such issues. There was also an episode in which a section of my right leg went numb then proceeded to then throb and end with a burning and tingling sensation. My doctor has told me that it's just stress but I've done my best to slow down and relax with no change in my symptoms. I'm extremely concerned.

Answered by Dr. Srikanth Reddy (17 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
clarifications

Detailed Answer:
Hello,

Thanks for using health care magic for posting your query.

I have gone through your question in detail and I can understand what you are going through.

However I would require a couple of more details to help you in answering your query in a better justified way.

1. How frequently do you get such episodes?
2. What thoughts do you get during such episodes?

Hope to hear from you at your earliest convenience.

Regards and wish you good health,

Dr. Srikanth Reddy MD

Neuro-Psychiatrist and Sexologist

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Srikanth Reddy (5 minutes later)

These episodes happen every other day. Sometimes when I'm at rest.
My thoughts are calm, I'm a rather happy person.

Answered by Dr. Srikanth Reddy (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Panic disorder

Detailed Answer:
Hello
Thanks for all the additonal information.
I ahve gone through it and i feel that you have a panic disorder.
This is a disorder of anxiety and occurs cause of imbalance of certain neurotransmitters in the brain. especially serotonin, nor adrenaline, and dopamine to some extent. Medicines are the best options to take care of these symptoms. Paroxetine is the the most popular medicine and my drug of choice. I generally prescribe my patients 12.5 mg per day at night which takes care of anxiety symptoms. Also certain medicines like propranolol and clonazepam can be give as required when there is a panic episode or expected situation where panic attack can appear.
Also there is an option of cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT). This therapy is taken by either a psychologist or a psychiatrist in which the therapist identifies impaired cognitions (Thoughts) and try to correct them. They are 15-20 min weekly session and there should be around 8-10 sessions to help you with your illness.
Hope this helps.
In case if you have any further query, do let me know.
Kind regards
Dr. Srikanth Reddy

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Srikanth Reddy (4 hours later)

Thank you for helping me, I truly appreciate it.
How do I address this with my primary care doctor? So I can receive the proper care.

Many Thanks and Blessings to You
XXXX

Answered by Dr. Srikanth Reddy (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
primary care doctor can help you

Detailed Answer:
Hello
YOu may take the print outs of our discussion to your primary care doctor.
He may prescribe the medicines mentioned by me.
I am sure you will get well with the treatment.
Kind regards
Dr. Srikanth Reddy

Note: For further queries related to coronary artery disease and prevention, click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar