May 25, 2012
Topics A-Z Acid Reflux Acid Reflux or Heart Problem in Women?
Acid Reflux or Heart Problem in Women? |
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Dear Ask The Doctor: On Tuesday I woke up and was feeling fine when I was laying in bed when I stood up I had chest pain. I lay flat in bed with almost no pillow and I was wondering if this was caused caused by acid reflux? The next day I still had chest pain. Today it is minimal but I did sleep with my head elevated last night and I have burped alot. Dear Shelley: Your symptoms seem to point more towards that of acid reflux. Typically Angina or Heart issues start with chest pain or shortness of breadth on exertion , however angina can start off initially at rest too. Acid reflux occurs when the Lower esophageal sphincter relaxes abnormally leading to reflux on the acid into the esophagus thus leading to symptoms of chest pain and more likely heart burn and chest discomfort. I would advice you to analyze your symptoms ( burning vs pain ) , location of the pain, timing - ie when does it occur usually acid reflux occurs either on an empty stomach or occurs when you lie down immediately after a heavy meal. Also try decreasing the amount of oily and spicy food that you eat. Avoid chocolates and citrus fruits as they exacebate the symptoms of acid reflux. You could try some tums or an antacid like ranitidine and see if it helps you with the symptoms . If it helps it most probably is acid reflux.Also avoid going to bed or lying down immediately after a heavy meal. Having said this I would like to state that in case you get extremely severe crushing chest pain, with or without radiation to the left arm, jaw, shortness of breadth, or the pain does not subside and is getting worse, I would advice you to consult the ER. In women usually angina symptoms may be vague and may be misdiagnosed. You would need a baseline ecg and /or a lipid panel just to be sure. |
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| Last Updated ( Saturday, 12 March 2011 ) |
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