Get your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM BlogQuestions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction

What Causes Tightness In My Left Arm And Shortness Of Breath When Suffering From High Cholesterol?

yesterday morning i noticed tightness in my left arm. Not constant, coming and going. Sometimes pretty painful and other times not so strong. Later that day had a hard time breathing. had to forcefully take in deep breaths. Felt dizzy. Took my blood pressure at work. 144/92, I am 35 yo female who hasnt had a check up in a few years. THe last time I went to the doctor I remember him telling me that my cholesterol was high. Family history of grandparents with strokes. Today I feel the pain in the arm still there but more soreness that constricting pain. I scheduled an appt with a cardiologist for Monday but my shortness of breath happened again today. Feeling a little anxious and worried. Shoudl I go to the ER?

Tue, 4 Feb 2014
Report Abuse
Ophthalmologist,  's  Response
Hi...In my opinion you should go to the ER. Pain in the left arm associated with shortness of breath may be due to cardiac causes. Since you have mentioned that your blood cholesterol was high in your last checkup, you are at a risk of Ischaemic Heart Disease(IHD). This means that the blood supply to the heart is decreased due to narrowing of the blood vessels. IHD leads to angina i.e pain in the chest radiating to the left arm. Since your history is suggestive of something similar, it is best to go to the ER.
I find this answer helpful
Note: For further queries related to coronary artery disease and prevention, click here.
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]
Share on
 

Related questions you may be interested in


Recent questions on Dyspnea


Loading Online Doctors....
What Causes Tightness In My Left Arm And Shortness Of Breath When Suffering From High Cholesterol?

Hi...In my opinion you should go to the ER. Pain in the left arm associated with shortness of breath may be due to cardiac causes. Since you have mentioned that your blood cholesterol was high in your last checkup, you are at a risk of Ischaemic Heart Disease(IHD). This means that the blood supply to the heart is decreased due to narrowing of the blood vessels. IHD leads to angina i.e pain in the chest radiating to the left arm. Since your history is suggestive of something similar, it is best to go to the ER.