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What Causes Palpitations And Dry Mouth Along With Pain In Left Arm?

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Posted on Thu, 12 Mar 2015
Question: Just a half hour ago, I woke up from sleeping in bed and have palpitations, a dry mouth, dry lips and dying of thirst. My mind is racing and I am worrying that I am having a heart attack. My left arm also hurts as well but here is some background info that may be helpful.

Today we had a big snowstorm so I spent the majority of the day shoveling. I think that may explain the left arm hurting and my neck pain. I have had a history of migraines and anxiety and as I type this, I feel a migraine/headache coming on. I am currently not on any medications for this.

Four days ago, I came down with a really bad case of dehydration (which I posted about here and a wonderful doctor helped me through that). I have been drinking enough water since Saturday. I am wondering if I did not drink enough water today based on all of the new strenuous activity that I did today.

In the past, I've gone to the ER for symptoms such as these and I've always checked out just fine. In December I had a physical and all of my bloodwork turned out great. I don't want to run to the ER yet again. How do you know if it is indeed a heart attack or something more sinister than just anxiety. What do you think could be happening?
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Answered by Dr. Noble Zachariah (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
Not a heart attack. Likely to be anxiety

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Welcome to HCM and thanks for your query.
I appreciate your insight.

Your symptoms are related to anxiety and you are having a panic attack. These are not the symptoms of a heart attack.

Relax, take a deep breath.
Your risk for heart attack is very low.
Check it out at
http://www.qrisk.org/index.php
You can reduce your anxiety by a healthy lifestyle, eating wholesome food, exercising 30 minutes and by practising stress relieving measures like yoga, meditation or relaxation techniques.
If these are not helpful, I shall advise you on medicines I prescribe my patients at a later time.
Take care
Note: For further queries related to coronary artery disease and prevention, click here.

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

Internal Medicine Specialist

Practicing since :1974

Answered : 2319 Questions

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What Causes Palpitations And Dry Mouth Along With Pain In Left Arm?

Brief Answer: Not a heart attack. Likely to be anxiety Detailed Answer: Hello, Welcome to HCM and thanks for your query. I appreciate your insight. Your symptoms are related to anxiety and you are having a panic attack. These are not the symptoms of a heart attack. Relax, take a deep breath. Your risk for heart attack is very low. Check it out at http://www.qrisk.org/index.php You can reduce your anxiety by a healthy lifestyle, eating wholesome food, exercising 30 minutes and by practising stress relieving measures like yoga, meditation or relaxation techniques. If these are not helpful, I shall advise you on medicines I prescribe my patients at a later time. Take care