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Diagnosed With GERD. What Is Causing Chest Pain, Shortness Of Breath And Arm Numbness?
Question: I am 37 years old and male. I am a very healthy guy...6'0 210. Still can run 8 minute mile no problem. Play pro soccer. In the last 2 years I have been to ER twice with what I thought was a heart attack. Chest pains, shortness of breath, left arm numbness, shaking...all that. All my tests were negative and I was told it was GERD. Last visit to ER was Sept 14 and still have tingling in arm and chest after I eat anything. What can this be?
Hello, XXXXXXX,
Iam glad to see that you are very fit and active.
I am sure,when you visited E.R. ,they did blood
work,electrocardiogram and may be scheduled
You for a stress test.Especially if you have a
strong family history of heart disease at an
early age,stress test is dtefinitly indicated.
To your specific question,the most common
condition that mimicks heart attack isG.E.R.D.
Gastroesophageal reflux disease.
This is related to acid backing up intoo
the esophagus through a week sphincter at
the junction of dtomach and esophagus.
Symptoms could be heartburn, atypical chest
pain.Other symptoms include sore throat, cough
especially at nights,increased asthma attacks etc.
If you have any of these symptoms,you have this.
You may need to have an upper G.I.x-ray studies.
You may even need an endoscopy by a G.I.specialist.
In the mean time,watch your diet.Cut back caffeine,
tomato based sauces,cheese,citrus products,tobacco.
You can go on a trial course of Prilosec(OTC) or similar
drugs such as prevacid,protonix,aciphex,nexium
one tablet twice a day about an hour before meals,stay
on it for 4-6 weeks,if you get total relief.
Wish you well.
Iam glad to see that you are very fit and active.
I am sure,when you visited E.R. ,they did blood
work,electrocardiogram and may be scheduled
You for a stress test.Especially if you have a
strong family history of heart disease at an
early age,stress test is dtefinitly indicated.
To your specific question,the most common
condition that mimicks heart attack isG.E.R.D.
Gastroesophageal reflux disease.
This is related to acid backing up intoo
the esophagus through a week sphincter at
the junction of dtomach and esophagus.
Symptoms could be heartburn, atypical chest
pain.Other symptoms include sore throat, cough
especially at nights,increased asthma attacks etc.
If you have any of these symptoms,you have this.
You may need to have an upper G.I.x-ray studies.
You may even need an endoscopy by a G.I.specialist.
In the mean time,watch your diet.Cut back caffeine,
tomato based sauces,cheese,citrus products,tobacco.
You can go on a trial course of Prilosec(OTC) or similar
drugs such as prevacid,protonix,aciphex,nexium
one tablet twice a day about an hour before meals,stay
on it for 4-6 weeks,if you get total relief.
Wish you well.
Note: For further follow up on digestive issues share your reports here and Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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