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What Causes Pain In Arms Of A BP Patient?
Question: about a week ago around mid day, my arms felt pain like a blood pressure cuff was on them. checked my blood pressure and it was 143/94. about an hour later bp went down to almost normal but a little high. last night and then again about mid day both arms started the same feeling. when im up and walking and arms are hanging down the pain is worse. last night bp was 119/73 and today bp was still normal 121/79. just wondering whats causing this arm pain.
Brief Answer:
More information needed about your symptoms.
Detailed Answer:
Hello and thanks for using HCM.
I have read your query and understand your concerns.
There's need for some more clarifications about your symptoms such:
- the pain starts abruptly or gradually?
- pain is felt like muscle cramps, or just pain?
- working with hands worsens the pain or not?
- any other coexistence of symptoms such numbness, pins and needles?
- any blood tests about blood fats levels, diabetes?
Most probably, your symptoms are caused by a condition called peripheral artery disease.
The pain is felt because of the impaired blood flow in the arms that causes impaired oxygen supply to muscles.
Other less possible causes include muscle cramps, peripheral neuropathy.
Awaiting for more information....
More information needed about your symptoms.
Detailed Answer:
Hello and thanks for using HCM.
I have read your query and understand your concerns.
There's need for some more clarifications about your symptoms such:
- the pain starts abruptly or gradually?
- pain is felt like muscle cramps, or just pain?
- working with hands worsens the pain or not?
- any other coexistence of symptoms such numbness, pins and needles?
- any blood tests about blood fats levels, diabetes?
Most probably, your symptoms are caused by a condition called peripheral artery disease.
The pain is felt because of the impaired blood flow in the arms that causes impaired oxygen supply to muscles.
Other less possible causes include muscle cramps, peripheral neuropathy.
Awaiting for more information....
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Yogesh D
Pain comes on gradually over about a 30minute period. Lasted about 4 hours today. Arms hurt above and below the elbow. Feels like blood pressure is being taken. But does not hurt that bad. Pressure feeling is not as bad as when bp is taken. No pins or needles or numbness while I'm feeling this type of pain. However, at other times over the last week or so, I have had tingling in my hands. Blood sugar levels are normal. I'm only about 20 pounds over weight. Cholesterol is a little high but no too bad. I have recently stopped drinking and used to be a binge drinker
Brief Answer:
Further evaluation needed.
Detailed Answer:
Welcome back and thanks for the clarifications.
In this case, you should be checked for peripheral artery disease.
One important thing to consider is the evaluation and treatment of high blood pressure.
You should discuss with your primary care Doctor about having a check up with blood tests to evaluate liver function, heart function and Doppler ultrasound of peripheral vessels.
A second possible cause of your symptoms, in case peripheral artery disease is excluded is neuropathy related to excessive alchohol use.
This possibility is evaluated by having a neuromuscular conduction study (EMG) done.
The treatment depends on a correct diagnosis.
Hope I helped you. Best regards.
Further evaluation needed.
Detailed Answer:
Welcome back and thanks for the clarifications.
In this case, you should be checked for peripheral artery disease.
One important thing to consider is the evaluation and treatment of high blood pressure.
You should discuss with your primary care Doctor about having a check up with blood tests to evaluate liver function, heart function and Doppler ultrasound of peripheral vessels.
A second possible cause of your symptoms, in case peripheral artery disease is excluded is neuropathy related to excessive alchohol use.
This possibility is evaluated by having a neuromuscular conduction study (EMG) done.
The treatment depends on a correct diagnosis.
Hope I helped you. Best regards.
Note: For further follow-up it is advisable to consult an emergency medicine specialist. Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Prasad
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