[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.

Show More

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:

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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

  1. 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.
  2. Stay Calm and Rest: While waiting for medical help, try to stay as calm as possible and rest. Avoid any physical exertion.
  3. 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.

Show More

1
 Hugs
0
 Comments

Save

4 mo ago

People Also Ask

What are the common symptoms of a heart attack in women?

Common symptoms of a heart attack in women can include chest pain or discomfort, pain in the arms, back, neck, jaw, or stomach, shortness of breath, cold sweat, nausea, and lightheadedness. Women may experience symptoms differently than men, often with more subtle signs.

How does smoking affect heart health and blood pressure?

Smoking damages the lining of your arteries, leading to a buildup of fatty material (atherosclerosis) which narrows the artery. It also raises blood pressure and heart rate, reduces oxygen to the heart, and increases the risk of blood clots, all of which can contribute to heart disease.

What is the difference between angina and a heart attack?

Angina is chest pain or discomfort that occurs when the heart muscle doesn't get enough oxygen-rich blood. It is often a symptom of coronary artery disease. A heart attack occurs when the blood flow to a part of the heart is blocked for a long enough time that part of the heart muscle is damaged or dies. Angina can be a warning sign of a heart attack.

What should I do if I experience symptoms of a hypertensive crisis?

If you experience symptoms of a hypertensive crisis, such as severe headache, shortness of breath, nosebleeds, or severe anxiety, you should seek emergency medical attention immediately. A hypertensive crisis can lead to serious health complications, including stroke, heart attack, or organ damage.

No comments yet

Be the first one to comment

Share your feedback

All Stories

Experiencing symptoms?

Our AI will conduct a medical interview and assess what might be happening. You can also make a post afterwards.

Share your feedback