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What Causes Heart Burn And Pain In Chest Radiating To Arms?
Question: I have 'heart burn' pain in my chest when I exercise and it radiates down my arms. It stops when I stop walking. I have had all heart tests and my GP suggests its asthma. I question that opinion but have no other idea how to proceed to find an answer.
Brief Answer:
Need to check for peripheral vascular disease.
Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXXXX,
Thanks for asking.
I am Dr. Prakash HM and I will be answering your query.
Looking at the medical history and query, my opinion is as follows:
1. Both heart burn and radiating towards arm appears to be different conditions. If your heart tests were normal, they could be related.
2. The heart burn in your chest appears to be secondary to gastro esophageal reflux disease. The acidity in stomach could be entering the esophagus leading to burning pain. During exercise, due to increased intra-abdominal pressure, it could be presenting. A proton pump inhibhitor along with anti emetic like domperidone should reduce symptoms. You need to take a prescription from your doctor.
3. The second problem of arms being affected, appears to be due to peripheral vascular disease. During exercise or walking, as the other organs take up the blood, the reduced blood volume to arms, could be leading to pain. On rest, it is getting relieved, means you are looking at a peripheral vascular disease. It is commonly seen in lower limbs.
However, I would agree with you, symptoms are not of asthma.
Smoking cessation and control of lipid levels is essential.
Hope it helps.
Any further queries, happy to help again.
Dr. Prakash HM
Need to check for peripheral vascular disease.
Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXXXX,
Thanks for asking.
I am Dr. Prakash HM and I will be answering your query.
Looking at the medical history and query, my opinion is as follows:
1. Both heart burn and radiating towards arm appears to be different conditions. If your heart tests were normal, they could be related.
2. The heart burn in your chest appears to be secondary to gastro esophageal reflux disease. The acidity in stomach could be entering the esophagus leading to burning pain. During exercise, due to increased intra-abdominal pressure, it could be presenting. A proton pump inhibhitor along with anti emetic like domperidone should reduce symptoms. You need to take a prescription from your doctor.
3. The second problem of arms being affected, appears to be due to peripheral vascular disease. During exercise or walking, as the other organs take up the blood, the reduced blood volume to arms, could be leading to pain. On rest, it is getting relieved, means you are looking at a peripheral vascular disease. It is commonly seen in lower limbs.
However, I would agree with you, symptoms are not of asthma.
Smoking cessation and control of lipid levels is essential.
Hope it helps.
Any further queries, happy to help again.
Dr. Prakash HM
Note: For further information on diet changes to reduce allergy symptoms or to boost your immunity, Ask here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Bhagyalaxmi Nalaparaju
Answered by
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