What Causes Shocking Pain In The Chest Radiating To The Hand?

Posted on Mon, 24 Jul 2017

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Mon, 24 Jul 2017 Answered on

Wed, 16 Aug 2017 Last reviewed on

Question : My wife who is 50 years is having a sudden feeling of shock like thing that earlier started with the pain from chest and to the left hand till the tip of the ring finger. But now its different and lasts few seconds. It may never occur for few days or months and when it starts it may be 2 - 6 times in a day.

We have seen a Cardiologist and done the tests but it seems nothing to do with her heart. Also seen a neuro surgeon and tests are done and doesnt seem related to neuro.

Sometime back when she saw a nero she was told immediately it is due to mild depression.

This is making us worried. Can you please help us. Is it related to depression?

You can review the discussion I had with Dr Illir Sharka inm y profile on 2nd XXXXXXX 2016 with regard to the same. This will give more info.

regards,
XXXX

Answered by Dr. Seikhoo Bishnoi (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
This could be due to anxiety.

Detailed Answer:
Hello thanks for asking from HCM

I can understand your concern. I have reviewed the old discussion too. Her cardiac workup revealed nothing. He EKG was normal so we can easily rule out cardiac issue.

First thing that comes in mind with such symptoms is any cardiac cause and that is ruled out.

Other possibility is some gastric issue. Some times epigastric distress result in chest discomfort and the pain might go to shoulders. If she is having the pain and symptoms after meals and is related to diet then we should look in this direction.

The possibility of any neurological cause is very less likely based upon symptoms.

If these causes are ruled out then we are left with some psychiatric cause most likely anxiety. Though depression might also cause such presentation. Anxiety results in autonomic outburst like chest discomfort, palpitations, restlessness, pain in arms, tremors etc like symptoms. The symptoms occur in episodes and individuals might remain symptoms free for long time. Association of relapse of symptoms and stress is also there. So yes these symptoms could be the part of anxiety. I will not say depression first.

If everything came normal then please take an advise from a psychiatrist.

Thanks and Take care

You are welcome to ask follow up doubts.

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar