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What Causes Sudden Onset Of Pain In Left Hand And Arm?

Posted on Fri, 28 Aug 2015

Question: Hello. I am a 55 year old female with sudden onset aching pain in my left hand and arm. I am obese. Is this a cardiac event or a precurser to one? Have done no physical activity today to injure my left hand/arm. What do you recommend? I take 81mg ASA every night. Should I take more now?

Answered by Dr. Praveen (13 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Needs evaluation, especially if pain is spreading/radiating type

Detailed Answer:
Hi madam.Thanks for your query.

Yes, the pain needs to be evaluated whether it is due to cardiac origin or purely musculoskeletal origin.I would strongly want to evaluate because of these reasons-

a. Age
b. Obesity
c. Nature of pain that you have described

I would recommend to get an ECG from your nearest healthcare center/hospital as early as possible.

However, I would wish to know some more information-
Is the pain spreading from arm-forearm and hand?
Do you feel heaviness of the chest?
Do you have any sweating or any other complaints?
Any other medical history hypertension, diabetes, high lipids?
What is the reason for taking baby ASA?
Was there any injury/excess work before the onset of pain?
Await your reply soon.

Regards
Dr.Praveen

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

Follow up: Dr. Praveen (51 minutes later)

taking baby aspirin because several years ago, had cardiac event that was caused by congenitally small vessel in heart, discovered by cardiac XXXXXXX No other blockages and no stents needed. No hx of hypertension or diabetes. Cholesterol & lipids wnl. No injury or excess work related to pain. No chest pain or heaviness at this time. No diaphoresis or nausea. Experienced all that before. This is different.
Just began to ache when I got in bed for sleep. is not radiating per se. It is just there - aching hand and arm. Will follow up with local MD visit in daylight for EKG, etc. Just did not know if this was an emergency. Thank you. XXXXXXX

Answered by Dr. Praveen (7 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Should probably be musculoskeletal pain

Detailed Answer:
Thanks madam for your quick revert.

As per your description this seems to be not medical emergency.Pop analgesic iburpofen 400mg or apply a pain balm/gel.This should ideally take care of your pain.

Thanks for your patience.Get well soon.

Regards
Dr.Praveen

Note: For further queries related to coronary artery disease and prevention, click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj