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What Causes Heaviness In The Arms And Tightness In The Chest?

Posted on Mon, 23 Jan 2017

Question: Just had a weird feeling like both of my arms were so heavy I couldnt lift them. No strength to make a fist. Almost like the feeling before you pass out. Then a slight tightening in my chest on right side and to my throat. Im breathing fine and my fitbit XXXXXXX shows my pulse at 70. Very weird feeling for about 5 minutes and now its gone but i feel so weak and my back hurts.

Answered by Dr. Shuba hariprasad (54 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
To rule out TIA

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thank you for your query.
I'm Dr. Shuba Hariprasad and will be answering your query today.

Based on your symptoms I would like to rule out a transient ischemic attack (TIA).

Would you clarify a few things for me Please?
*what is your height and weight?
*do you have any other medical issues or take any medications?
*do you smoke or consume alcohol?
*do you have any other symptoms like breathing difficulty on effort, giddiness, nausea, palpitations?
*how are your urine and stools?

I recommend :
-a physician consult /neurologist opinion
-blood tests (complete blood count, Thyroid stimulating hormone, blood sugar levels, lipid profile, kidney and liver function tests)
-electrocardiogram & echocardiogram
-chest x-ray
-doppler study of the neck vessels, upper and lower limbs (depending on clinical findings)
-MRI of the brain if clinically indicated.
-a 24hr observation for signs of stroke

TIA occurs due to a compromise in blood flow to the brain. It can be difficult to catch as it is transient and can be ignored and difficult to diagnose.
For this, it is vital to get yourself evaluated thoroughly to look for risk factors for development of a stroke which can follow within 24 hrs.

I urge you to seek medical attention right away just to be on the safe side. Caught early enough, treatment can prevent paralysis and complications.

Hope this helps. Please let me know if there is anything else I can help can help you with.
Wish you good health
Regards,
Dr. Shuba Hariprasad

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D

Follow up: Dr. Shuba hariprasad (38 minutes later)

I do not smoke quit two years ago. I am overweight at 240. Do not take any medication. My pain was on the left side not right side. Im perfectly fine now like nothing just tired but it was a horrible feeling my arms ached from the inside and hard to even lift my hands.

Answered by Dr. Shuba hariprasad (50 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Please see a doctor

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thank you for the follow up & clarifications.

Left sided pain could be related to the heart.
*what were you doing before and while you experienced this discomfort?
*how long have you smoked? How many a day?

-a stress test may be needed to see how your heart responds to physical strain
I know how scary this may sound to you & it must definitely be tempting to ignore this as you feel better now.

However, I urge you to consider my recommendations and see your doctor.
Subtle signs like these can occur in women prior to a heart attack and I would like for us to err on the side of caution and get it checked out right away.

Please let me know if there is anything else I can help you with.
If you experience this discomfort again or have breathing difficulty, unusual sweating, giddiness, palpitations, visit the ER. I suggest that you don't drive. Take someone along.
Wish you good health.

Regards,
Dr Shuba Hariprasad

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

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad