Symptom Combination

Arm Pain and Palpitations: Causes, Conditions & When to See a Doctor

Arm pain with palpitations may indicate acute coronary syndrome with concurrent arrhythmia — a dangerous combination. Ischemia-induced ventricular irritability causes palpitations while myocardial injury radiates pain to the arm. This combination carries high risk for ventricular fibrillation.

→ Arm Pain Overview → Palpitations Overview

Possible Causes of Arm Pain and Palpitations

Conditions that commonly cause both symptoms together

1Acute MI with ischemia-driven arrhythmia (PVCs, VT)
2Unstable angina with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation
3Pulmonary embolism with right heart strain and atrial arrhythmia
4Anxiety disorder with musculoskeletal arm tension and palpitations
5Hyperthyroidism with musculoskeletal pain

Emergency Red Flags

Seek immediate medical attention if you experience any of these

Rapid irregular heartbeat with left arm pain

Syncope or near-syncope accompanying palpitations

Chest tightness with arm radiation and heart racing

Onset during physical exertion

Previous arrhythmia or structural heart disease

When to See a Doctor

Schedule a medical consultation if you notice these signs

Seek emergency care immediately — potential VT/VF risk

Do not use stimulants; rest in semi-recumbent position

12-lead ECG is mandatory to exclude acute MI and arrhythmia

Any palpitations + arm pain lasting > 5 minutes requires emergency evaluation

Conditions That Cause Both Arm Pain and Palpitations

2 conditions are associated with this symptom combination

Myocardial Infarction

Ischemia causes both arm radiation and ventricular ectopy

Pulmonary Embolism

Can cause atrial arrhythmia and arm pain via pleuritic mechanism

Explore Individual Symptoms

In-depth pages for each symptom in this combination

Arm Pain — Full Overview Causes Treatment When to See a Doctor Related Questions

Palpitations — Full Overview Causes Treatment When to See a Doctor Related Questions

Clinical Matches — Authority Pages

Condition-level differential and comparison resources for this combination

⚠ Dangerous — Rule Out First:

Pulmonary Embolism

Differential analyses:

🔬Pulmonary Embolism: differential →

Experiencing Arm Pain and Palpitations?

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