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Menopausal Symptoms, Heart Palpitation, Tingling In Arm. Should I Be Concerned?

Posted on Fri, 26 Apr 2013

Question: Hello: I am a 51 year old female with definite menopausal symptoms (hot flashes, dry skin, etc.). I began having heart palpitations 20 years ago during my first pregnancy with cessation of those inbetween preganancies and complete disappearance of them after my last pregnancy. The palpitations are now back - with a vengeance. They are particularly noticeable right after meals and during exercise. No chest pain, light headedness or arm pain, however some palpitations are accompanied by split second left arm tingling and a head rush. I have my regular check up in three months - should I get into my doctor in a more timely manner? I am 5'3" and weigh 150 (have lost 15 pounds over last 4 months). Thank you for alleviating my concerns.

Answered by Dr. Divya Kuttikrishnan (4 hours later)

Hi there,

Thanks for writing in.

I would definitely advise you to visit your physician at the earliest for evaluation of the cause of palpitations ,especially since you say there is a slight tingling sensation in your left arm.

During/ After exercise, palpitations is quite normal, which should subside in a couple of minutes.

Other possibilities as the cause of palpitations could be menopausal symptoms, anxiety, thyroid disorders, anaemia ,diabetes, or hypoglycaemia(low blood sugar levels).

I would advise you to sign up for yoga classes if you have a good instructor in your area. Yoga helps by deep breathing and relaxation exercises, and might relieve most of your symptoms.

Avoid smoking, alcohol and caffeine.

Have frequent smaller meals rather than 3 large meals a day.

Drink at least 8-10 glasses of water a day.

Hope this helps.

Do get back to me if you need further clarifications.

Regards,
Dr. Divya Kuttikrishnan

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

Follow up: Dr. Divya Kuttikrishnan (22 hours later)

Thank you for your reply and the advice. I can't get into my regular doctor until a week from Monday - your reply has me a bit shaken. Should I go to urgent care? I have only had 3 or 4 of the palps with left arm tingling in the last 6 months. I am a widow with two children to support and not very good health insurance - but I do not want to ignore something that needs to be taken care of right now.

Thank you.

Answered by Dr. Divya Kuttikrishnan (2 days later)

Hi,

I am sorry that my initial reply shook you up.

No, you need not go to the urgent care if your symptoms occurred only 3 to 4 times in the last 6 months.

You can go to your doctor on Monday. No problem with it. You may get a routine ECG (Electrocardiogram) done to be assured that your heart is in perfect condition.

Take care!

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

Follow up: Dr. Divya Kuttikrishnan (42 hours later)

Thank you very much for taking the time to visit with me. I have everything scheduled. You have helped a lot.

Answered by Dr. Divya Kuttikrishnan (3 days later)

You are welcome. Hope everything is ok.

Take care :)

Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.

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