[37F] With constant sweating and left-sided pain
Patient Description
A 37-year-old female has been experiencing constant sweating for the past four days, severe enough to make her clothes wet, even when sitting. She reports sharp pain in her left armpit, pain on the top of her left hand, and swelling. Additionally, she mentions that her whole left side seems to be in pain, including her hand, arm, and foot. She has also experienced a little chest pain, shortness of breath, and dizziness. There are no palpitations, irregular heartbeats, nausea, vomiting, jaw pain, or neck pain. The patient has a history of high blood pressure and is a smoker. She is not currently taking any medications and has no other pre-existing conditions or chronic illnesses.
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Arora's Assessment
What might be happening
Based on the symptoms you've described, there are several serious conditions that could be causing your symptoms:
- Heart Attack (Myocardial Infarction): The combination of sweating, chest pain, and pain radiating to your left arm and hand, along with dizziness, are classic signs of a heart attack. This is a medical emergency and requires immediate attention.
- Angina: This is chest pain caused by reduced blood flow to the heart muscles. It can cause similar symptoms to a heart attack and also requires prompt medical evaluation.
- Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD): This condition involves narrowed arteries reducing blood flow to your limbs, which could explain the pain and swelling in your left hand and foot.
- Hypertensive Crisis: Given your history of high blood pressure, a sudden and severe increase in blood pressure could cause sweating, chest pain, and dizziness.
What you can do
- Seek Immediate Medical Attention: Given the severity and combination of your symptoms, you should seek emergency medical care immediately. Call 911 or have someone drive you to the nearest emergency room. Do not drive yourself.
- Stay Calm and Rest: While waiting for medical help, try to stay as calm as possible and rest. Avoid any physical exertion.
- Inform Medical Personnel: When you reach the hospital, inform the medical personnel about all your symptoms, your history of high blood pressure, and that you are a smoker. This information will help them provide the best care.
Remember, I am not a doctor, and it is crucial to get a formal diagnosis and treatment from a healthcare professional. Your symptoms are serious and require immediate medical attention.
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5 mo ago