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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Causes Heart Palpitations With Arm Pain And Numbness, Chest Heaviness?

Hi, during the past two years there are periods were i get heart palpitations, my left arm starts to hurt and numb and this goes up through the left hand side of my neck as well.. my chest starts to feel heavy, as well as my head. It lasts for about 3-5 minutes, and sometimes the pain in my arm lingers a bit.. it's happened about 5 times in the past 2 years, i think all times it has been after i've eaten something.. i'm not sure if it's serious, or if its just something like acid reflux? would be great to get an opinion...
posted on Thu, 13 Mar 2014
Twitter Tue, 7 Aug 2018 Answered on
Twitter Thu, 9 Aug 2018 Last reviewed on
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Cardiologist,  's  Response
Hello and Welcome to ‘Ask A Doctor’ service.

I have reviewed your query and here is my advice.



I passed carefully through your question and would explain that it is important performing a comprehensive differential diagnosis between different possible causes that may lead to this clinical situation: coronary artery disease, a bulging disc in the cervical vertebral column, acid reflux or just anxiety. For this reason, I would recommend consulting with your attending physician and performing some tests:

- A resting ECG and a cardiac ultrasound

- An exercise cardiac stress test

- A cervical spine X ray study

- Thyroid hormone levels for thyroid gland dysfunction

- Blood electrolytes for any possible imbalances.



A fibrogastroscopy may be needed, especially if all the above tests result normal.



Hope I have answered your query.

Let me know if I can assist you further.
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What Causes Heart Palpitations With Arm Pain And Numbness, Chest Heaviness?

Hello and Welcome to ‘Ask A Doctor’ service. I have reviewed your query and here is my advice. I passed carefully through your question and would explain that it is important performing a comprehensive differential diagnosis between different possible causes that may lead to this clinical situation: coronary artery disease, a bulging disc in the cervical vertebral column, acid reflux or just anxiety. For this reason, I would recommend consulting with your attending physician and performing some tests: - A resting ECG and a cardiac ultrasound - An exercise cardiac stress test - A cervical spine X ray study - Thyroid hormone levels for thyroid gland dysfunction - Blood electrolytes for any possible imbalances. A fibrogastroscopy may be needed, especially if all the above tests result normal. Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.