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Does Hiatal Hernia Cause Heart Palpitations?

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Posted on Thu, 15 May 2014
Question: I was wondering if a hiatal hernia can cause your heart to pound? In the last two weeks, I was started on Synthroid, but didn't exhibit any symptoms until 10 days after starting it. I asked my physician about it, and he said to stop taking it for a few days. I wonder if he started me on too much. I am 103lb and my TSH was 22. He also told me that I need an endo because he believes I have an ulcer. The general surgeon at work said that my symptoms of frequent hiccups and cramping in the hypergastric area may be a hiatal hernia. Bottom line, could the "pounding" heart be symptoms of the GI tract?
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Answered by Dr. Enrique Molina (21 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
unlikely

Detailed Answer:
having your heart "pounding", or palpitations are most likely related to the Synthroid. You had a high TSH to begin with, meaning you were very deficient in thyroid hormone, therefore you were started on Synthroid. As your body replenished the hormone, it is possible that the dosage is too much to maintain an adequate level of thyroid hormone. If you have too much thyroid hormone you can get severe palpitations as your are feeling.
A hiatal hernia most commonly causes acid reflux and heartburn. If you have cramps as well or abdominal pain, it could be related to an ulcer as your doctor said. You can also get chest pains from having acid reflux or esophageal spasms, however having palpations or heart pounding is not related to the GI tract.
An upper endoscopy exam is indeed warranted based on your symptoms. Follow up with your PCP regarding your thyroid hormone dosage.
Let me know if you have further questions
Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Enrique Molina

Internal Medicine Specialist

Practicing since :2004

Answered : 364 Questions

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Does Hiatal Hernia Cause Heart Palpitations?

Brief Answer: unlikely Detailed Answer: having your heart "pounding", or palpitations are most likely related to the Synthroid. You had a high TSH to begin with, meaning you were very deficient in thyroid hormone, therefore you were started on Synthroid. As your body replenished the hormone, it is possible that the dosage is too much to maintain an adequate level of thyroid hormone. If you have too much thyroid hormone you can get severe palpitations as your are feeling. A hiatal hernia most commonly causes acid reflux and heartburn. If you have cramps as well or abdominal pain, it could be related to an ulcer as your doctor said. You can also get chest pains from having acid reflux or esophageal spasms, however having palpations or heart pounding is not related to the GI tract. An upper endoscopy exam is indeed warranted based on your symptoms. Follow up with your PCP regarding your thyroid hormone dosage. Let me know if you have further questions