I sometimes have a pinch in my chest and tonight my left hand and arm are numb. I read that it could be an infractus, it makes me anxious. What should I do?

Question

I am 23 years old, I am medicated with tdah and I take ritalin. Hello! Yes, yet I did a 3 day without the medication, it was my first day since, but I will do it again without a problem. Thank you so much!!

Alexandre Chagnon · Accepted Answer

Hello Ma'am, In fact, these symptoms, when encountered in an older person , can be a sign of a heart attack. At your age though, most people who have these symptoms find that they are more present during times of anxiety. That's because palpitations, heart points and numbness are intimately related to stress in people under 40. Since Ritalin can impact stress, it may be tempting to reduce the dose momentarily or do what's called a therapeutic vacation (stopping the medication for 1-2 days). Is this possible for you? That feels good! And if you see it happening again in the future, talk to your doctor so we can look at your heart. In the meantime, if you're able to get your hands on a watch that measures heart rate, you might be able to see if during "cramps" you're tachycardic (heart beating fast). That could help track down the possible cause of your symptoms. Good evening, Alexandre Chagnon, pharmacist