Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
What Causes Recurring Pain And Numbness In Left Arm?
Question: I had ruematic fever as a child. Have always had a heart murmur. I am 57 years old. My left arm goes numb and is painful on and off throughout the day. My arm problem could simply be a pinched nerve but I am scared it is associated with a near future heart attack. Do u think my arm issue could be heart related?
.
.
Brief Answer:
historically it is not likely to be angina.
Detailed Answer:
Dear Madam
1. The pain of angina or heart attack usually does not lasts for days together. A characteristic anginal pain comes on exertion, goes away at rest and is more like heaviness over the breastbone which may radiate to both arms and lower jaw. Off and on pain, rest pain, which does not increase on exertion/ exercise/ using stairs/ carrying loads, is persisting for many days, which can be elicited by certain postures or maneuvers is unlikely to be due to heart.
2. The prediction of future heart attack is impossible by any tools; history, examination or investigations. They only tell about current status or rough future risk which is not applicable to individual patients.
3. Examination by a GP and an electrocardiogram at time of pain are most logical next steps. If on examination, murmur is found to be significant, echocardiogram should be performed.
Hope this helps. Feel free to discuss further.
Sincerely
Sukhvinder
historically it is not likely to be angina.
Detailed Answer:
Dear Madam
1. The pain of angina or heart attack usually does not lasts for days together. A characteristic anginal pain comes on exertion, goes away at rest and is more like heaviness over the breastbone which may radiate to both arms and lower jaw. Off and on pain, rest pain, which does not increase on exertion/ exercise/ using stairs/ carrying loads, is persisting for many days, which can be elicited by certain postures or maneuvers is unlikely to be due to heart.
2. The prediction of future heart attack is impossible by any tools; history, examination or investigations. They only tell about current status or rough future risk which is not applicable to individual patients.
3. Examination by a GP and an electrocardiogram at time of pain are most logical next steps. If on examination, murmur is found to be significant, echocardiogram should be performed.
Hope this helps. Feel free to discuss further.
Sincerely
Sukhvinder
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Growing up my mom made such a big deal about the heart murmur. Is it really that dangerous? My mom is gone now so I do not have anyone to talk to about it.
Brief Answer:
there are murmurs with or without significance
Detailed Answer:
Dear madam
A murmur can be totally benign /harmless or it may signify important valve related disorder after acute rheumatic fever. It requires evaluation by various means. As I told earlier that first step is examination by your doctor followed by cardiac ultrasound/ ECHO, if required.
Clinically, presence of easy fatigability, breathlessness on routine exertion, blackouts, episodes of passing away, palpitation or chest heaviness on exertion give weightage to the murmur. However their absence do not rule out a significant valve related disorder.
Sincerely
Sukhvinder
there are murmurs with or without significance
Detailed Answer:
Dear madam
A murmur can be totally benign /harmless or it may signify important valve related disorder after acute rheumatic fever. It requires evaluation by various means. As I told earlier that first step is examination by your doctor followed by cardiac ultrasound/ ECHO, if required.
Clinically, presence of easy fatigability, breathlessness on routine exertion, blackouts, episodes of passing away, palpitation or chest heaviness on exertion give weightage to the murmur. However their absence do not rule out a significant valve related disorder.
Sincerely
Sukhvinder
Note: For further queries related to coronary artery disease and prevention, click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
