Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with GoogleGet your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
Could Numbness In Left Arm Be Due To Intake Of Excessive Alchohol And Smoking?
Advice for my best friend
Yesterday my best friend told me he was numb in his left arm, he said it happened before. He's almost 32, 5'6", and about 118lbs, he smokes cigarettes a lot, an when he was a kid, he was in a house fire and experienced smoke inhalation. I am worried it may be something major like a impedeing heart attack or stroke. He says its probably just gas around the heart. I would like him to see the Dr, but he's too stubborn. He also drinks like a fish, almost every night. Mostly Busch beer. I don't want it to be anything major. What do you think it is? Btw, his dad died 15 yrs ago to bone cancer that spread to his stomach, lungs, an ultimately his brain, which swelled, causing death.
Yesterday my best friend told me he was numb in his left arm, he said it happened before. He's almost 32, 5'6", and about 118lbs, he smokes cigarettes a lot, an when he was a kid, he was in a house fire and experienced smoke inhalation. I am worried it may be something major like a impedeing heart attack or stroke. He says its probably just gas around the heart. I would like him to see the Dr, but he's too stubborn. He also drinks like a fish, almost every night. Mostly Busch beer. I don't want it to be anything major. What do you think it is? Btw, his dad died 15 yrs ago to bone cancer that spread to his stomach, lungs, an ultimately his brain, which swelled, causing death.
Tue, 15 Sep 2015
Many a times alcoholics drink and sleep overnight in an uncomfortable position that may lead to palsy or say transient weakness of the nerve supplying the area which was put to pressure in that uncomfortable sleeping position. It is a self limiting situation and resolves on its own. Alcohol is a renowned nerve toxin and may lead to motor and sensory neuropathy also.So, limitation of alcohol intake is certainly advised. But as you said the other problem is gas and left sided chest pain, in view of all the risk factors like alcoholism and smoking, your friend surely needs a health check-up. As the sensation of gas in heart can be angina and coronary artery disease. Start at least with blood sugar( fasting, PP), fasting lipid profile, ECG.chest X-ray, Blood pressure measurement. If needed then further sophisticated tests would be advised.
I find this answer helpful
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer.
For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service
[Sample answer]
Related questions you may be interested in
Recent questions on Heart attack
Loading Online Doctors....