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Have High BP, Dull Arm Ache And Headache. Can It Be Heart Attack?
Question: Hi i am 41 and my new baby is 5 weeks old today i have a history of high bp and i get very anxious at times, for the last 4 days i have had higher that normal bp readings 168 over 102 but normal heart rythem but i do NOT have chest pain however i do have a constant dull ache in my left arm that wont go away and a constand tight headache that tingles over my head but not sharp pain..... am i just suffering some kind of severe stress or the start of a possible heart attack? ....plz shed some light
Hi, thanks for using healthcare magic
It is understandable to be concerned.
Heart attacks are normally associated with chest pain , some persons may experience pain in the epigastric region which is where the stomach is located.The pain is severe tight or heavy pain and constant. There would also be shortness of breath, palpitations, feeling of impending doom, nausea, dizziness or lightheadness.
The pain can sometimes be referred to the left jaw or arm but there would usually be chest pain along with this.
In rare cases someone can have a silent heart attacks but this would typically occur in persons such as diabetics where is alteration of the nerve supply to the heart.
There are different causes of headache such as migraines, sinus, tension headaches, cluster headaches, headaches due to other conditions or diseases, headaches due to abnormal structures in the body.
Tension headaches are normally tight in nature. They can be severe. They may also be associated with a tightness in the neck and shoulder.
The pain in the arm may be muscular in origin.This is more likely if it worsens with any movements. If you are breast feeding then you can try paracetamol for relief.
The high blood pressure readings are of concern. If they remain at this level you need to visit your doctor for modification of your medication.
I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions
It is understandable to be concerned.
Heart attacks are normally associated with chest pain , some persons may experience pain in the epigastric region which is where the stomach is located.The pain is severe tight or heavy pain and constant. There would also be shortness of breath, palpitations, feeling of impending doom, nausea, dizziness or lightheadness.
The pain can sometimes be referred to the left jaw or arm but there would usually be chest pain along with this.
In rare cases someone can have a silent heart attacks but this would typically occur in persons such as diabetics where is alteration of the nerve supply to the heart.
There are different causes of headache such as migraines, sinus, tension headaches, cluster headaches, headaches due to other conditions or diseases, headaches due to abnormal structures in the body.
Tension headaches are normally tight in nature. They can be severe. They may also be associated with a tightness in the neck and shoulder.
The pain in the arm may be muscular in origin.This is more likely if it worsens with any movements. If you are breast feeding then you can try paracetamol for relief.
The high blood pressure readings are of concern. If they remain at this level you need to visit your doctor for modification of your medication.
I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions
Note: For further queries related to coronary artery disease and prevention, click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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