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GERD & Acid Reflux
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Posted 2/18/2011 10:08 PM (GMT 0)
I occasionally get chest pain, which I think is probably related to my history of stomach problems which started 18 months ago.

I was just wondering if anyone thinks it is worth having my heart checked out? I am only 26, I don't have palpitations or anything, I just wondered if it is worth having it checked? What does everyone else think?

Posted 2/18/2011 10:46 PM (GMT 0)
Judy- Not sure what kind of pain you are having, but I asked my doctor a similar question and he said as a general rule of thumb, if it doesn't get worse under stress/exertion, it's most likely not cardiac. I had soreness in my sternum (I can only describe as chest-bone pain), and it was my GP, not the gastro, that recommended getting my vitamin D checked out. Levels were far below normal, and about a month after taking supplements daily, chest pain vanished. Hope your 'stomach problems' improve.
Posted 2/18/2011 11:04 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks, I don't get it very often, and the pain's fairly mild. With my stomach issues, it being due to heartburn is probably the most likely cause, I just sometimes get worried with the "what if's". Not sure about getting worse with exertion, not done much exercise today ;) Stress aggrivates my stomach issues anyway though, meh...
Posted 2/19/2011 5:35 PM (GMT 0)
No one else got any advice?
Posted 2/20/2011 12:32 AM (GMT 0)
Judy, I have been getting chest pain = heartburn for years and recognize it for what it is.  I did go to the Drs. once and all was well per EKG and treadmill test.

I agree,  mention it to your Dr. and if further testing is need it would be wise to have it done as well as reassure you that your heart has been checked out.

Kindly,

Kitt

Posted 2/20/2011 12:00 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks for your reply Kitt :) It's settled down now, I think it probably is down to my stomach issues but I sometimes find it hard not to worry. Will see how I go.

I saw this helpful link, if anyone is interested: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/chest-pain/DS00016/DSECTION=causes
Posted 2/22/2011 3:13 PM (GMT 0)
 

Chest pain is always scary. While stomach issues is likely your problem, it can't hurt to go to your Dr for a quick EKG if the pain persists.

The first two times I had bouts of GERD (or whatever it is I suffer from...I'm not quite sure what I have...doctors are pretty useless sometimes) I swore I was having a heart attack because the pain is so similar...even radiating down my arm and up into my jaw. Even though I was burping up a storm (hence my screen name) I was still scared enough to go to the hospital....both times, feeling silly because it wound up being gas.

BUT better safe than sorry.

Posted 2/22/2011 7:28 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks...it's gone for now, it wasn't too severe. Will see how I go, thanks for your reply :)
Posted 2/26/2011 8:12 PM (GMT 0)
I, too, am all too familiar with all this! I am currently taking Pepcid and Dexilant. The Pepcid is like a magic wand when I am at my worst. I can't eat any fats myself...even chicken causes me distress right now.
I was diagnosed, after an Endoscopy, for Esophagitis, Gastritis, a hiatal hernia (small), and reflux. They then sent me for a gallbladder Hida scan to determine if my gallbladder wasn't working properly...and it wasn't. It is only working 17%. I have gallbladder surgery on Monday. I'm hoping this will help with some of my issues...considering my doctor said it could help with the ingestion of fats.
Those who haven't had their gallbladder checked, may want to do so. I had an ultrasound and it was negative...no stones. My gallbladder is considered a non-functioning gallbladder...which can only be determined with a Hida scan. Good luck to all... I know your pain, and want yours relieved as much as mine.. :)
Posted 2/26/2011 9:14 PM (GMT 0)
Getting the heart checked out is always a good idea when there's chest pain, even if you don't think the heart is the cause. But maybe your first doc already did everything that was needed.

Next place to go is to the local friendly gastroenterologist. Find out if you are having reflux or a galbladder problem. I have a hiatal hernia that is giving me chest pain exactly where it hurt when I had a heart attack a few years ago, so it can be quite confusing for us poor patients.

Do you have any other symptoms than just chest pain? Do you get rapid heartbeat, feel lightheaded? I have intolerance to several foods that triggers reflux, then tachycardia and chest pain. Keeping a food log helped me figure it out.
Posted 2/26/2011 10:28 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Judy,

Before, I was diagnosed with acid reflux and before my nissen surgery; I too had severe chest pains that resulted in several tests all of which revealed my heart to be ok (apart from discovering I had pericarditus) that got treated with medicine. It was only after these tests that I got referred to the gastroenterologist and other tests were completed that revealed my acid reflux and hiatus hernia. All of this as resulted in my surgery taking place 25 days ago.

The symptoms of acid reflux mimic heart failure because this shares the same nerve endings.

It is always wise to get checked out. Good luck.
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