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What Causes Burning Sensation In Chest While Walking?
Question: Hello, I have a burning sensation in my chest when I walk.this sensation becomes worse when having sex,carrying messages, walking uphill or exercising.I've had 3 stress tests in the past,the last was 8 months ago. All we're clear for heart disease. The burning also happens when during an argument. This has been happening for roughly 2 weeks. Ive been diagnosed with reflux esophigitis.I've had reflux on and off for the past 2 years, and never had these syntoms.I'm worried this could be heart disease, as the burning goes away with rest. Im taking lansoprazole, metoclopramide and ranitidine. None of these have eased the symtoms. I take bisoprolol and irbesartan for high blood pressure. I'm slightly over weight but not obese. I can't get my doctor to take me seriously since the diagnoses of reflux was confirmed. Why would the burning only happen when my heart is under strain?I don't get the burning when lying down or eating. Please advise doctor, as this is driving me crazy
Brief Answer:
Read below
Detailed Answer:
I read your question carefully and I understand your concern.
Obviously when it comes to chest pain a heart issue is the most important issue to be excluded. However it seems you are being a little unfair when you say your doctor is not taking you seriously since you say that you have already three stress tests which means your concern was indeed addressed but fortunately there was nothing wrong with your heart. So since there is also a diagnosis of reflux I see no reason why not to attribute the symptoms to that, especially given that an ischemic heart disease at your age is pretty uncommon.
As for the question on why do the symptoms happen during physical activity that is due to 2 reasons. One is because as the abdominal muscles contract there is increase pressure inside the abdomen, hence on the walls of your stomach as well, which can naturally lead to gastric content going back up, especially if you exercise after you have eaten when the stomach is not yet empty. The second reason is because during exercise and mental stress there is a predomination of the sympathetic nervous system (the one which increases your cardiac output) to the expense of the parasympathetic system. The parasympathetic system is the one promoting mobility and emptying of the gastrointestinal tract, so during exercise there is reduced motility and emptying and also lower tonus of the esophageal sphincter which prevents food from going back from the stomach to the esophagus, so reflux is facilitated.
So I think you should continue the current regimen. Also attention should be paid to lifestyle measures like losing weight, avoid alcohol, chocolate, coffee, spices, lemon, citrus, avoid large meals, avoid eating before the activities which exacerbate symptoms, sleep with the head of the bed elevated.
I remain at your disposal for other questions.
Read below
Detailed Answer:
I read your question carefully and I understand your concern.
Obviously when it comes to chest pain a heart issue is the most important issue to be excluded. However it seems you are being a little unfair when you say your doctor is not taking you seriously since you say that you have already three stress tests which means your concern was indeed addressed but fortunately there was nothing wrong with your heart. So since there is also a diagnosis of reflux I see no reason why not to attribute the symptoms to that, especially given that an ischemic heart disease at your age is pretty uncommon.
As for the question on why do the symptoms happen during physical activity that is due to 2 reasons. One is because as the abdominal muscles contract there is increase pressure inside the abdomen, hence on the walls of your stomach as well, which can naturally lead to gastric content going back up, especially if you exercise after you have eaten when the stomach is not yet empty. The second reason is because during exercise and mental stress there is a predomination of the sympathetic nervous system (the one which increases your cardiac output) to the expense of the parasympathetic system. The parasympathetic system is the one promoting mobility and emptying of the gastrointestinal tract, so during exercise there is reduced motility and emptying and also lower tonus of the esophageal sphincter which prevents food from going back from the stomach to the esophagus, so reflux is facilitated.
So I think you should continue the current regimen. Also attention should be paid to lifestyle measures like losing weight, avoid alcohol, chocolate, coffee, spices, lemon, citrus, avoid large meals, avoid eating before the activities which exacerbate symptoms, sleep with the head of the bed elevated.
I remain at your disposal for other questions.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
I'll continue with my current medications. my doctor has also said that surgery for my stomach would be my next course of action. as I said before,I've had this horrible reflux disease for almost 2 years now. I experienced chest pain in the past.I follow all the instructions regarding food and not eating before bed.no chocolate etc. Thanks doctor.. hopefully this will settle down
Brief Answer:
You're welcome
Detailed Answer:
Yes surgery is an option but I didn't want to mention an invasive procedure rightaway for fear of making you nervous.
I hope you will get better soon.
You're welcome
Detailed Answer:
Yes surgery is an option but I didn't want to mention an invasive procedure rightaway for fear of making you nervous.
I hope you will get better soon.
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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