Hi, I have any arythmia, skip many beats. recently my stress level has been very high and my symptoms have increased. chest pains and constant skipping beats which make me cough at times. in the past 24 hours, my hands have fallen asleep/become numb/tingly as i lay my hands upon my chest laying down.  is this something also a symptom? thank you
Hello and thank you for using Chat Doctor. I carefully read your question and I understand your concern. You should not worry, I will explain you something and give you my opinion. This seems to be a heart rhythm issues. There are some electrical impulses that generate in a part of the heart different from normal sinus rhythm. This cause a premature heart contraction, that's not a normal one. You feel this like a palpitation, like a skipped beat that makes you cough or have difficulties in breathing deeply. There might be different causes of this rhythm issues like stress, coffee consumption, alcohol, so you have to avoid this. Pathology like anemia, hyperthyroidism, electrolytic disturbances or cardiac anomalies might be other causes. So, electrolyte disturbances, thyroid or parathyroid gland problems might explain even your hands problems, numb or tingly sensation, so you have to check them. If I was your treating doctor I will ask for some examination like a full blood check up, your thyroid problems, a cardiac echo, and a holder rhythm monitoring. Through this we can better know what we are dealing with and how to treat them. As you say, you have a very stress period and this might be the cause. It will soon pass. Hope I was helpful. Best regards.