mildred,

Thanks for your question.

Arm discomfort may be a symptom of heart disease as well as many other possibilities.  Women can manifest heart disease in more ways than men, which makes it more challenging to diagnose heart disease in females. 

The best person to consult for this problem is your doctor, who will ask more questions and perform an examination as well as an electrocardiogram.  Then he/she will be in a better position to make a determination of what may be causing your symptoms.  Further testing may be required before a diagnosis is made.  So call you physician and make an appointment as soon as possible.  Should these symptoms persist, then a trip to the emergency room is warranted.

Best wishes and feel better.

Martin Cane, M.D.