Dr. Emmanuel Isang, a US-based cardiologist known for his informative TikTok videos, has issued an important warning: elbow or arm pain could be a sign of a serious heart condition. Speaking as @dr.isang on TikTok, he emphasized that chest pain and related symptoms often present differently in women, which can lead to misdiagnosis or underdiagnosis.
Dr. Isang explained that typical heart attack symptoms include midsternal chest discomfort that may radiate to the shoulder, jaw, or elbow. He noted, “It gets concerning when the pain worsens with exertion and improves with rest or nitroglycerin medication.” However, women may experience less classical symptoms such as isolated elbow pain, jaw pain, shortness of breath, sweating, dizziness, or lightheadedness.
Although elbow and arm pain can stem from various causes, Dr. Isang stresses it’s crucial to seek medical evaluation if these symptoms are new or unexplained. “Our goal is to identify potentially catastrophic but preventable issues,” he added.
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Supporting this, the NHS states that heart attack symptoms often include chest pressure, heaviness, tightness, or squeezing that may spread to the arms—especially the left arm. They urge people to call emergency services if arm pain occurs suddenly alongside chest discomfort.
While isolated elbow or arm pain is usually not serious, the NHS advises consulting a GP if pain persists beyond a few weeks and seeking emergency care if pain is severe, if there is a noticeable deformity, snapping sound, or numbness.
Recognizing these warning signs can be lifesaving. If you experience new or unexplained arm or elbow pain, particularly with other symptoms, prompt medical attention is essential.