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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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How To Differentiate Between Indigestion And Heart Problem?

I'm 25 yrs. old and weigh 116 ILBs and am 5 ft. 1in. I only know my mothers family medical history b/c I do not know my biological father. I have had indigestion in the past and was taking medicine but it was brought on by anxiety and stress. So how can you tell the difference between indigestion and a real heart problem b/c I've been told that your left arm and chest can hurt with indigestion. Anyways my left arm feels sore all the way to my hand sometimes and I feel nauseous, why?
Tue, 15 Jul 2014
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Internal Medicine Specialist 's  Response
Thank you for the query.
You have not mentioned your gender. As per the history, you are 25 yrs old, with a BMI of approx 22 kg/m2 (within acceptable limits) and a history of indigestion. I would like to know your family history (from your maternal side), whether there is any history of hypertension, diabetes mellitus, coronary artery disease/ischemc heart disease ot dyslipidemia.
The symptoms of indigestion and ischemic heart disease are indeed similar to one other. A substernal/retrosternal/epigastric chest discomfort may be present in both the cases. However, ischemic heart disease will present with other symptoms like shortness of breath (specially on exertion). Radiation to the arm and jaws is more common in ischemic heart disease (angina).
I would advise you to get a 12 lead ECG done and if indicated a stress test. This can atleast rule out a cardiac ailment for the time being. Certain blood investigations like lipid profile and blood sugar screening may aid in the diagnosis. Indigestion doesnt have a specific treatment as such, you can go for commercial enzyme preparations or proton pump inhibitors. Avoid lying down after a meal, because that can aggravate your discomfort. Stress and anxiety can cause functional dyspepsia. Avoid oily and spicy food and aerated drinks.
Please do visit your physician who will perform a complete physical check up and plan out a management strategy.
Hope this helps you out.
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How To Differentiate Between Indigestion And Heart Problem?

Thank you for the query. You have not mentioned your gender. As per the history, you are 25 yrs old, with a BMI of approx 22 kg/m2 (within acceptable limits) and a history of indigestion. I would like to know your family history (from your maternal side), whether there is any history of hypertension, diabetes mellitus, coronary artery disease/ischemc heart disease ot dyslipidemia. The symptoms of indigestion and ischemic heart disease are indeed similar to one other. A substernal/retrosternal/epigastric chest discomfort may be present in both the cases. However, ischemic heart disease will present with other symptoms like shortness of breath (specially on exertion). Radiation to the arm and jaws is more common in ischemic heart disease (angina). I would advise you to get a 12 lead ECG done and if indicated a stress test. This can atleast rule out a cardiac ailment for the time being. Certain blood investigations like lipid profile and blood sugar screening may aid in the diagnosis. Indigestion doesnt have a specific treatment as such, you can go for commercial enzyme preparations or proton pump inhibitors. Avoid lying down after a meal, because that can aggravate your discomfort. Stress and anxiety can cause functional dyspepsia. Avoid oily and spicy food and aerated drinks. Please do visit your physician who will perform a complete physical check up and plan out a management strategy. Hope this helps you out.