You had chest pain, so had a complete cardiac evaluation by a physician. All the tests were negative – no heart problem. But, you still have chest pain. What else could be going on?
You may have gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD. Several of the symptoms of a heart attack and GERD are similar.
What is GERD?
Many individuals experience periodic indigestion or heartburn – a burning sensation in the chest. Heartburn occurs when acid moves from the stomach into the esophagus. GERD is diagnosed when an individual has severe or frequent (more than 2x per week) heartburn.
Heart Attack or GERD?
Heart Attack Symptoms*
Get Immediate Medical Attention
-Sudden, crushing chest pain, pressure, tightness or heaviness
-Difficulty breathing
-Extreme sweating – soaks through clothes
-Nausea
-Indigestion, heartburn or abdominal pain
-Pain in shoulders, neck, jaw or arms
-Feeling faint or lightheaded
-Extreme fatigue (may occur days before an actual heart attack)
GERD Symptoms*
-Chest pain – sharp or burning tightness in chest or upper abdomen
-Increase in severity of pain when bend over, lie down, or after eating
-Sour taste in mouth
-Nausea, especially after eating
-Indigestion, heartburn or abdominal pain
-Difficulty swallowing
-Feeling that food is stuck in the throat or chest
-Chronic cough
*All individuals are different. Symptoms differ between individuals, and not all individuals experience all symptoms. Heart attack symptoms may also differ between men and women.
A critical note of caution …never ignore symptoms that could indicate you are having a heart attack or excuse the symptoms as “just indigestion”. Get immediate medical help.
But, after a heart attack has been ruled out, consider seeing a specialist to be evaluated for GERD. In addition to alleviating your symptoms, especially the uncomfortable chest pain and burning, treatment is important to prevent the progression of GERD to more serious conditions. GERD has the potential to evolve to a condition called Barrett’s esophagus. Barrett’s esophagus occurs when acid from the stomach changes the composition of cells in the esophagus. While rare, Barrett’s esophagus can lead to esophageal cancer.
GERD is easily treated with a combination of lifestyle changes, including weight loss and modifications in diet, and drug therapy. Several different drugs are available that reduce the production of stomach acid. A gastroenterologist will help you find the right solution for you, to alleviate your symptoms. In addition, he or she will develop a plan for routine surveillance to watch for any changes in your condition that would indicate the disease is progressing and becoming more serious.
Our physicians are expert in the treatment of diseases like GERD. GERD can be diagnosed through a routine office visit. During that visit we will have a thorough discussion of your symptoms and agree on an action plan individualized for you.
