HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

question-icon

What Causes Sudden Warming Sensation In Upper Chest, Arms And Head?

default
Posted on Mon, 30 Jun 2014
Question: I have been experiencing sudden warming sensation for about 10 days now. It occurs in my upper chest and spreads throughout my arms and head. Sometimes I break into a cool sweat. No real pain, just very odd for me and concerning. It has happened while I was asleep, moving around the house, and just now I was doing some mild moving on a minitrampoline. I told my doctor about this last Wednesday. I am female, 62, and have had palpitations off and on for about 4 years. Doctor thinks its anxiety and I have been taking the generic for Lexapro (20 Mg). Also I take Synthroid (.075 mg), and just started Crestor last Wed. (Total cholesteral is 265 with high LDL). Heart disease runs in family. Have had testing of heart last summer and cardiologist says its ok. I have not had an artery scan for plaque. I use a Vagifem supplement for dryness, had a hysterectomy in 2009. Don't know if this is hormonal, heart diseases, anxiety, or some other malady. Thanks for listening! Also, I drink from 3-5 cups of coffee a day and have been sedentary lately. I've been sleepy and lethargic while on Lexapro. Relaxed but lazy feeling too.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Abhishek Kapoor (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
You have panic attack

Detailed Answer:
HI
Thanks for using healthcare magic. I, Dr Abhishek Kapoor, would help you in this query.

I think, you have panic attacks. Let me explain this first. Panic attacks are periods of intense fear or apprehension that are of sudden onset and of variable duration from minutes to hours. Panic attacks usually begin abruptly, may reach a peak within 10 to 20 minutes, but may continue for hours in some cases. Usually, it looks like heart attack or cardiac disorder, but it is a psychological disorder.

In your case, you have hypothyroidism, which could also lead such kind of symptoms. If your thyroid profile is normal and all investigations related to heart is normal, then it is panic attack. If you have any doubt, you can repeat all these investigations.

Just take antidepressant like escitalopram (lexapro) or paroxetine. You would feel better. You have been on lexapro for 10 days. Antidepressants usually take two weeks to show response. So, just relax and wait to get response. You can also try some relaxation exercise and any benzodiazepine like clonazepam on sos basis.

In case, you need further help, you can ask.

Regards
Dr. Abhishek Kapoor
Psychiatrist
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
default
Follow up: Dr. Abhishek Kapoor (25 minutes later)
Thank you very much, Dr. XXXXXXX This episode that occurred tonight was longer than the others over the past 10 days. Actually, I started taking escitalopram last September at 10 mg and the dosage was increased to 20 mg perhaps in February. I take my Synthroid (75 mg) and the Lexapro (generic) first thing each day. I had been feeling very lethargic, sleepy and unmotivated and told my doctor about that when I saw him last Wednesday. He said to decrease the Lexapro by skipping a day then taking it at 20 mg again for 3 days, skip a day and repeat taking it for 3 more days. But my first warming sensation had occurred about 10 days ago (3 of them in less than 12 hours. It was the day of my oldest daughter's wedding so nerves could have been involved. So I skipped my dose this past Thursday, took it again for 3 days, and skipped this morning. I had a period of this yesterday morning around 10. Both of these times it came on after I had eaten and was moving around. I began taking the Lexapro last September after having heart palpitations for a couple of years. I've worn a heart monitor twice. Both doctors (GP and Heart) say my heart is fine. I have the high cholesterol and have had two cousins die from a heart attack this past couple of years (ages 46 and 65). I want to make sure there is no blockage. Also, I wonder if I'm taking too much medicine (of one type or both) and now I take Crestor. I agree that getting some tests redone or added is a good idea to get to the bottom of the problem to prevent further complications. What do you think? Thank you again.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Abhishek Kapoor (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
You can try paroxetine

Detailed Answer:
Hi

Chest pain and palpitation due to heart diseases stay for few minutes, not more than 10 or 15 minutes, but in case of anxiety, symptoms could stay for hours. In your case, chances of anxiety disorder, may be panic disorder is high. In anxiety disorder, treatment of choice is antidepressant like lexapro. If you are not getting any benefit from lexapro, the you can try paroxetine. It is a very effective antidepressant in case of anxiety disorder. You can also take clonazepam on sos basis or try some relaxation exercise. About treatment plan, you can discuss with your doctor.

There is nothing harm in getting test redone. That would help to avoid any further complication, but just stay relax. Our body activities depend upon our thoughts. I think, in back of mind, you have fear of cardiac arrest, because two of your cousin died due to that. This is the reason for continuous episode of anxiety. Remember one thing, if you remain anxious, then your body would remains anxious, so be calm and enjoy your life the way you want to.

In case, you have more query, you can ask.

Regards
Dr. Abhishek Kapoor
Psychiatrist
Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Abhishek Kapoor

Psychiatrist

Practicing since :2007

Answered : 2496 Questions

premium_optimized

The User accepted the expert's answer

Share on

Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties

159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM Blog Questions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction
What Causes Sudden Warming Sensation In Upper Chest, Arms And Head?

Brief Answer: You have panic attack Detailed Answer: HI Thanks for using healthcare magic. I, Dr Abhishek Kapoor, would help you in this query. I think, you have panic attacks. Let me explain this first. Panic attacks are periods of intense fear or apprehension that are of sudden onset and of variable duration from minutes to hours. Panic attacks usually begin abruptly, may reach a peak within 10 to 20 minutes, but may continue for hours in some cases. Usually, it looks like heart attack or cardiac disorder, but it is a psychological disorder. In your case, you have hypothyroidism, which could also lead such kind of symptoms. If your thyroid profile is normal and all investigations related to heart is normal, then it is panic attack. If you have any doubt, you can repeat all these investigations. Just take antidepressant like escitalopram (lexapro) or paroxetine. You would feel better. You have been on lexapro for 10 days. Antidepressants usually take two weeks to show response. So, just relax and wait to get response. You can also try some relaxation exercise and any benzodiazepine like clonazepam on sos basis. In case, you need further help, you can ask. Regards Dr. Abhishek Kapoor Psychiatrist