Could this be GERD?

[captain109]

Hi Folks,

For a few years now I have been having an odd squeezing / burning feeling below my left breast.  Does not seem to radiate anywhere else.  Seems to occur after I have eaten a meal that is extremely bad for me such as a greasy pizza or when I engage in a sudden sprint or have to lift heavy objects rapidly, or get really stressed.  Anyway, I have run to the ER several times--Approximately twice a year and each time I am given the same battery of tests.  Chest X-Ray, Blood Work, EKG.  Each time I am discharged with a form that states "The pain you are experiencing does not appear to be coming from your heart” In 2010 I even had a Thallium Stress Test which also came back normal.  Everything I read tells me that symptoms I experience are indicative if Angina.  Should I go and see a Cardiologist?  Or does it sound like a case of Cardio phobia? Possibly upper GI related?  I am a 40-year old Caucasian male.

[silverfox67]

Because you mention that you get this pain after eating greasy food, it might be gallbladder disease.  Try drinking a cup of grapefruit juice with 2 T of cooking oil when the pain hits.  If it's your gallbladder, you will notice some relief.  If you don't, then try a little baking soda dissolved in a glass of water for GERD.  These are temporary measures.... at least you'll know which way to go.  I hope you feel better soon.

[selmaS]

  Hi, yes it can be GERD...more over it could be a hiatal hernia since lifting also exacerbates the issue for u.....

See a GI dr to start....look to family history for other issues that may be a factor for u, heart, etc....since u had testing on ur heart it appears fine, then u do not have to go that route again, GERD can cause it to feel like that , sometimes the vagus nerve is involved....

Do avoid foods that will trigger symptoms, greasy , spicy,acidic,alcoholic, carbonated bevs...keep a journal so u know...see a list in the Health Pages...http://www.medhelp.org/health_pages/list?cid=236

Also modify ur lifestyle as well....elevate the head of ur bed, no tight clothes, no smoking, try to relax and avoid stress....