Left arm pain...?

Question

I've developed severe dragging/aching pain in my left arm and hand. I have no injuries. I had a severe asthma attack last night and have been having problems with asthma recently. Could this pain be due to strain on my heart ? I'm only 25 but I've had chest pain too, esp last night. I'm too embarrased to seek medical help as I'm so young but am worried. xx

Answer 1

I appreciate you are embarrased to ask for help but you could try phoning NHS Direct,They will help you and put you in the right direction. Left arm pain could be serious so I strongly suggest that you seek help without delay . Don't be afraid - nobody will think you silly or stupid and that includes your own GP.

Answer 2

Go to the Doctor.

At your age I'm sure this isn't the case but I have to say that shortness of breath and pain in your chest that continue's down your arm are the classic symptoms of a heart attack.

"Chest pain is the most common symptom of acute myocardial infarction (MI) and is often described as a sensation of tightness, pressure, or squeezing. Pain radiates most often to the left arm, but may also radiate to the jaw, neck, right arm, back, and epigastrium. The patient may complain of shortness of breath"

Get to the doctor today.

Answer 3

Go to the doctors, ache in the left arm can be a serious link to heart problems. My father put off an aching left arm and died from an heart attack at 45 years old. Better safe than sorry.

Answer 4

These are significant symptoms. You should go to a walk-in centre if you cannot face your GP. If you live in the UK call NHS Direct now. Heart attacks don't always involve the characteristic crushing pain. Also - was your asthma attack a constricting pain in the chest? If you were my friend I would be taking you to A and E. If you were my patient I would blue light you to hospital.

Please get it checked out now. I lost a friend aged 16 to a silent heart attck. Don't take gambles with your health however silly they may seem.

What are you embarassed about? The sort of pain you describe is a medical emergency. Get it seen to now please.

Answer 5

Your chest pain is probably due to muscular ache following your asthma attack.Left arm pain can go with heart attack,but if you were having a heart attack you would know about it.Its far more likely to be a trapped nerve in your back[i suffer this myself].You should see your GP hope this helps.

Answer 6

Generally if you have numbness/tingling with the arm pain, it is nerve related and not heart related. If it continues for more than 48 hours, you may want to see a doctor just to be sure, but it sounds like nerve to me.

Answer 7

I hope you are on line now and reading your replies.

If you have chest pain - go IMMEDIATELY to A&E to get it checked out.

Chances are, with your history of asthma, it is a chest infection. But ALL chest pain and any difficulty in breathing MUST be checked out.

GO, NOW! Please! And don't be embarrased - you have a genuine reason to seek medical advice.

BECKY - you say on your profile that you are a RGN - so stop messing and get to the hospital - you should know better than any of us!

Answer 8

You should see a doctor real quick before it gets worse. I have never heard of it but I strongly think that you shouldn't be embarrassed about seeking medical help. Whatever you have now could probably be something new. I strongly advise that you should book an appointment and then see a doctor

Answer 9

0845 46 47 thats the number for NHS Direct here in the uk. They'll be able to give the best course of action.

chest and left arm pain is NEVER a good combination. if you're on the pill please call them. embarrassment won't kill you but something else might, is it worth the risk? its even free phone. go phone now.

Answer 10

Get yourself to A&E right now. You're describing prime symptoms of a heart distress. You say that you're embarrassed to seek medical help because you're so young. That's a silly excuse that will ring in your family's ears forever should you die from a heart attack.