What do irregular heartbeat and dull left arm pain suggest?

Question

Hello doctor,

I have been experiencing palpitations in my heart and have a dull pain in my left arm. I also have a long history of PTSD from rape and anxiety. I smoke occasionally, and I was recently diagnosed with hypertension, but I got that under control by taking Lisinopril daily. Any help or comments would be greatly appreciated. Please suggest.

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I went through your query.

The symptoms that you had were probably due to withdrawal, which settled with dose increment, and ECG changes were probably ventricular premature complexes. These are ectopic. These are usually benign and not life-threatening. These are frequently associated with Methadone, caffeine, alcohol, and thyroid problems that may aggravate these. Also, Methadone can cause other cardiac effects as well.

It would be better if you could upload the ECG so that I can have a look at it and confirm the diagnosis. You should get a cardiac ultrasound called an echo to look for heart functioning and any structural heart disease. You should also get a thyroid test done.

Avoid smoking, alcohol, and caffeinated products. You should also discuss Metoprolol (beta blocker) with your local doctor once a day, which will suppress these beats after confirming the diagnosis.

For smoking cessation, Nicotex gum is certainly useful. The 4 mg dose of gum is recommended if you smoke 25 or more cigarettes per day.

You should chew the gum whenever you have an urge to smoke. You can chew one piece of gum every one to two hours for six weeks, with a gradual reduction over a second six weeks, for a total duration of three months. Acidic beverages (e.g., coffee beverages) should be avoided before and during gum use.

I hope this helps you. I will get back to you if you have any questions.

Thanks and regards.