Do I have acid reflux or is there something wrong with my heart?
Monday, February 1st, 2010 at
2:46 am
For three months, I have been very burpy and feel like I have to burp. Suddenly the last week, I got very sharp chest pains. I have a little heartburn, but mostly pains in the heart area. Do I have something wrong with my heart or is it acid reflux? My local doctor thinks it is acid reflux, but I want to make sure.
Filed under: Acid Reflux
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Looking at the data provided by you, there seems to be no features suggestive of heart disease. If at all, it is Gastro-esophageal Reflux Disease. If go through the list of symptoms of acid reflux, that might convince you:
Some symptoms of acid reflux include:
* Heartburn — a burning pain or discomfort that may move from your stomach to your abdomen or chest, or even up into your throat
* Regurgitation — a sour or bitter-tasting acid backing up into your throat or mouth
* Bloating
* Burping
* Hiccups that don’t let up
* Nausea
* Weight loss for no known reason
The Acid Reflux is caused by:
* Eating large meals or lying down right after a meal
* Being overweight or obese
* Eating a heavy meal and lying on your back or bending over at the waist
* Snacking close to bedtime
* Eating certain acid reflux foods, such as citrus, tomato, chocolate, mint, garlic, onions, spicy or fatty foods
* Drinking certain beverages, such as alcohol, carbonated drinks, coffee, or tea
* Smoking
* Taking aspirin, ibuprofen, certain muscle relaxers, or blood pressure medications
Avoid these. You will be fine.
Yes, GERDS or reflux.
Since it’s been going on for three months it’s most likely acid reflux. If your symptoms are worse at night and when laying down, then it’s acid reflux. Try taking Tums or Zantac and see if your symptoms resolve. If you have a family history of heart disease, then your doc should do a stress test just to be sure.
I can relate because I had the same symptoms and had a stress test to ease my worried mind.
Take ECG and consult a cardiologist. Some heart attack may mimic gas trouble. About one third of people who have a heart attack do not have chest pain.
In gastroesophageal reflux (gastroesophageal reflux disease [GERD]), stomach acid and enzymes flow backward from the stomach into the esophagus, causing inflammation and pain in the esophagus.
* Reflux occurs when the ring-shaped muscle that normally prevents the contents of the stomach from flowing back into the esophagus (lower esophageal sphincter) does not function properly.
* The most typical symptom is heartburn (a burning pain behind the breastbone).
* The diagnosis is based on symptoms.
* Treatment is avoiding trigger substances (such as alcohol and fatty foods) and taking drugs that reduce stomach acid.
From your description you most likely have acid reflux. Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease(GERD) While it is called heartburn, it has nothing to do with your heart. The esophageal sphincter is allowing hydrochloric acid to be splashed back up into your esophagus from your stomach. The sharp pain it sometimes produces can make you think you are having a heart attack. Next time you have such a cramping pain sip some cool (not cold) water to see if it relieves it momentarily. If that is what you have there are foods and drinks you should avoid: Caffeinated and carbonated beverages such as coffee and sodas, alcohol, spicy foods and acidic juices (such as pineapple juice) and greasy foods (fried foods). At least consume these in moderation. You may have to take medicine such as Plavix, Nexium or Prilosec to reduce the acid in your stomach. You should see your doctor for a definite diagnosis and for treatment.