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What Causes Tightness In Chest Area And Weakness In Left Arm?

Posted on Mon, 29 Jun 2015

Question: I have been feeling a tightness in my chest area off and on for the past few days along with a general weakness in my left arm even without much activity. Subsides on it's own without intervention however it keeps returning. I worry that this might just be indigestion as I am also burbing a bit.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Muhammad Sareer Khalil (40 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Rule out the heart FIRST

Detailed Answer:
Hello and Welcome

I appreciate your concern

It could very well be indigestion or dyspepsia related. However in any case of chest pain or tightness the heart should always be ruled out first. An EKG and/or ETT can be done. If the EKG and/or ETT is clear showing no signs of ischemic heart disease then empirically a two week course of a PPI like Esomeprazole, a pro kinetic like metoclopramide along with sucralfate and bismuth subsalicylate can be advised to adequately treat the dyspepsia/GERD symptoms to see for improvement. Most likely the symptoms will resolve. If the pain/tightness persists despite treatment then symptoms persist then an upper G.I endoscopy can be advised in consult with your doctor.

Wishing you best of health

Thanks

Please consult your doctor before deciding on any further course of action.

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Dr. M.S. Khalil

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