St. Petersburg taught to distinguish a stiff hand from a symptom of stroke

Numbness of the left hand is not always associated with heart problems. In some cases, the cause may be pinched nerves, diseases of the cervical spine or an uncomfortable position of the body. About this NEWS.ru told the assistant of the department of polyclinical therapy ICM Pirogov University Alina Gavrilova.

According to the doctor, sudden numbness of the hand can be one of the signs of a stroke. It is especially important to pay attention to the accompanying symptoms - weakness in the limb, facial distortion and speech impairment.

In a heart attack, as a rule, numbness of the hand is not the only symptom. There may be pain, heaviness or burning in the chest, discomfort in the shoulder, arm, back, neck or lower jaw, as well as shortness of breath and cold sweat.

If numbness occurred suddenly and is accompanied by chest pain, shortness of breath, cold sweat or severe weakness, the doctor recommends calling an ambulance immediately. If the hand is asleep after sleep or an uncomfortable posture, and the sensations change when moving the hand or neck, a heart cause is less likely.