GERD, Heart and/or hiatal hernia

how can you be sure that you don't have heart problems, if the hiatal hernia exhibits heart attack symptoms?  can you papitate a hiatal hernia down?
can you detect a hiatal hernia with your finger, if it is about an inch above the diaphram?  I can feel it go up and down.

[Ratnakar Kini, MD]

Hi Xanderzone,
You cannot detect hiatus hernia with your finger. Imaging studies or endoscopy should be done to diagnose hiatus hernia.
For heart problems, you need ECG/EKG and echocardiogram, though overt problems can be detected clinically.
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The information provided is for patients’ education only and is not a medical advice. Always consult your personal physician for complete evaluation of your health problem.
- Ratnakar Kini M.D.