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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Causes Numbness And Pressure In Chest?

At 7 years of age my mother suffered rheumatic fever which affected her heart. She is now 75, in AF with leaking mitral valve and had a pacemaker fitted 16 months ago. A life long non-smoker, tee-total for over 25 years, weighs 6 stones and keeps herself as active and as fit as she possibly can. A couple of days ago she suddenly lost feeling in both arms, they went completely numb. She felt pressure in her chest but quite high up - just above breast level. This feeling passed after a few minutes and left her incredibly hot and feeling sick. This again passed after a short while. Since this incident she has felt fine, has gained good colour and infact looks bettter than she has for a couple of weeks! She s not panicking (she never does) but should I????
Mon, 12 Jan 2015
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General & Family Physician 's  Response
Hello Welcome to the HCM
Brief answer...It could because of change in blood pressure or heart rate.
detailed answer....Since your mother has already AF which is problem of heart rate (irregularity of heart pumping),so the blood supply to brain can be less at particular point of time.Which could cause numbness and other symptoms.Also sudden change in blood pressure ,which is very common in this age could be also the cause.It could be minor attack to the blood supply of brain.
My opinion would be repeat ECG and ECHO first to rule out any change in heart muscle.You may also need CT brain to rule out any minor change in brain (infarction) and doppler carotid after discussing with your doctor.
Hopefully my answer will be helpfull for you.
Regards,Dr.Maheshwari
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What Causes Numbness And Pressure In Chest?

Hello Welcome to the HCM Brief answer...It could because of change in blood pressure or heart rate. detailed answer....Since your mother has already AF which is problem of heart rate (irregularity of heart pumping),so the blood supply to brain can be less at particular point of time.Which could cause numbness and other symptoms.Also sudden change in blood pressure ,which is very common in this age could be also the cause.It could be minor attack to the blood supply of brain. My opinion would be repeat ECG and ECHO first to rule out any change in heart muscle.You may also need CT brain to rule out any minor change in brain (infarction) and doppler carotid after discussing with your doctor. Hopefully my answer will be helpfull for you. Regards,Dr.Maheshwari