Is acid reflux causing me heart problems?

I am 23 years old and have very recently been diagnosed with Acid Reflux, now by 3 doctors, although I am yet to see a specialist.

I am very very worried about the implications this is having on my heart, as I dont really get too much of the burning sensation, just really bad palpitations, chest tightness, and even a numbness in my left arm...All the symptoms of a heart attack

I have had an ECG, Chest X-Ray, Blood Pressure Test & Blood Sample taken, all of which came back clear.

Naturally I am very scared, everyone I seem to speak to that tells me they've had problems with this also agree my symptoms sound extreme.

Any words of comfort or advice would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks for that, yeah its very reassuring to know im not alone!

So have you had acid reflux for a while then, or is it something that can be got rid of?

Is alcohol generally out of the question then?!

Oh well, ill just have to hope it all gets better I guess, although im not going to hold out too much!

Just wondered aswell, do you find yourself having any anxiety with this at all? And does exercise generally make you feel better?

Its just recently ive gone out and done a bit of exercise and ive came back and the symptoms have got terrible, a really sort of numb pain on the left side of my chest :S Also just recently I have had a couple of sleeping issues.

Last night I suddenly felt very strange, with palipitations and couldnt get comfortable in bed, then started to sweat a little. Eventually I drifted off after about 30 minutes or so. Something very similar happened a few mornings ago where I woke up at around 5am with similare symptoms.

Could this be down to anxiety?

Hi Matt,

Just wanted to update you and perhaps offer some advice.

I went to see a new GI yesterday and he has suggested a number of things including probiotic tablets.  I cannot take the yougerts as I cannot tolerate dairy, but my GI told me that the tablets are stronger, he recommended a tablet with over 1billion good bacteria.  i've had my first tablet today so see how it goes..

How you getting on?

 

Hi PR Glo

I've had so many tests, just this morning I've had another blood test..

I've had an endoscopy, gallbladder ultra sound, blood test for celiac desease, erm... thinking oh yes Helibactor Pylori tests and just this morning a blood test to test liver, kidney function etc... It's crazy that doctors cannot seem to help us manage this pain. But I have found a very sympathetic GI and at last I seem to be finding some long sort after relief!

It's good that you are having an endoscopy if nothing else it offers reassurance that you have nothing serious. Good luck..

Hi NanaMarie.

I completely understand.... First of all the most important thing is to stay calm. You know what is causing the pain and tightness in your chest, I find that taking slow deep (as possible) breaths helps me to relax. I think the most important thing for me is that when I get these feelings I need to get out of bed and walk around the house and try and move the trapped wind.

I have been taking tablets that are peppermint oil in capsules, sorry cannot remember the name I will look it up and post for you. They are available over the counter. However, some people find that peppermint can make it worse as it relaxes the sphincter muscle that stops food from flowing back up, but for me it helps to free the trapped wind.

I sleep almost totally sitting up.

I find that if I keep my diet as bland as possible then I am pretty good. I have to avoid most dairy and rich foods. I mainly eat salad (no lettuce) and light meats, fish, ham, chicken (no skin) etc. I find that if I have something fatty if I then follow it with something that will "soak up" the oils in the food, for instance I have madiera cake as a dessert as it's very dry, or perhaps have a roll or bread and butter with food.

Remember it's also quantity of what's in the stomach as well as what, so smaller meals are better and don't drink too much liquid with meals as that increases the volume of the food.

Have you seen a doctor etc as this is just my advice and what works for me, it's always good to get checked by the doctor.

Good luck NanaMarie....

Hey all. Just rhought id post an update...

Went to see my GP on Monday and he doesnt seem to think it's anything to do with my digestive system, but he hasnt quite told me what he thinks it is. I've been prescribed with Beta blockers now for my anxiety which are helping a bit.

Went for blood tests on Wednesday aswell, fingers crossed I should get the results tomorrow, and then maybe finally someone might tell me what is going on, or not! Hoping ill at least have some sort of idea what is wrong with me soon.

Have to see my GP again next Thursday whatever happens as he said to see him again in 10 days time to see how I was getting on, will have my fingers tightly crossed!...

 Thanks Katie 1808

 

                    I will try your advice! I do find that i do get a little scared at times because i feel like im going to have a heart  attack. O and yes ive seen so far only two doctors and they have told me the same thing. That im to young to have it and reason why i probably have it is because i dont eat healthy. I've took alot of acid reducers but most of them mad it worse. I eat mostly spicy foods and the doctors have said that will harm my stomach because it is very sensitive. I know thats not good so i will try eating foods that are not fatty. Thanks alot and if you try something new i would love to know so i could try them as well. thanks NanaMarie

I found this:

"Acid reflux, sleep apnea and heart palpitations can all be traced in some way to the food we eat. Hydrogenated fat, refined table salt, mono sodium glutamate, sugar, chocolate, corn syrup, refined oils, baking powder, fried foods, junk foods, carbonated soda and alcohol are all toxins that will cause problems in the human body. Replace these poor health choices with natural foods and you may begin to notice a change in your overall health and you may be able to sleep better at night. Fruits and vegetables have plenty of fiber and natural enzymes that balance the acid-alkaline ratio in the body.

Acid reflux can cause chest pain because stomach acid causes the esophagus to become enflamed and can lead to chest pain. This pain may feel quite similar to pain associated with angina, which is felt by people with coronary heart disease. Acid reflux does not directly cause heart palpitations but it may cause a person to feel extremely anxious which in turn may cause palpitations. Another scenario may be that the person may actually be experiencing a heart related attack of pain of some sort. In this case, the palpitations may be the result of a heart attack. Other symptoms of heart disease that could rule out acid reflux include nausea and shortness of breath."

The full article can be read here...

I have definitely experienced some relief from changing my diet, I've switched from Pizza hut, Curry, Italian foods, carbonated drinks, tea, milk etc. To salads, veggies, white meat, soya milk, water and fruit juices.  (The milk is not out of choice, I can no longer tolerate Cow's or Goat's milk.)

It hasn't cured my GERD but it does help reduce the symptoms along with my Nexium, Colpermin and Probiotic tablets.

I'm gonna join you in that *sigh* Percycat.....

Shark,

Welcome to HealingWell.  We are all glad to meet you. I am wondering if you have your anxiety under control or do you need some advice on decreasing anxiety?

See you met someof our members.  WE do have a welcome thread if you would like to post in it.

Again welcome

Kitt 

Years ago, before I was diagnosed, I woke up with chest pain so bad I was about to call 911. I chewed several antiacids belched and the pain went away. After that episode whenever I ate something I would get a feeling of food sticking and chest pain. My vision would begin to darken like I was fixing to pass out. Then the pain stopped and I was okay as long as I didn't eat another bite. I hadn't thought about that episode in a long time.

Joy