SOB from GERD or heart disease

Is there a difference between SOB that reselts from GERD than that of heart disease?  Also can GERD cause heart diseases such as pulmonary hypertension?

I have been having bouts of SOB and in my previous post you stated that GERD can cause SOB.  So I started to wonder if there is a difference in the type or feeling of SOB in GERD than that of say heart disease?

Thank  you

[Ratnakar Kini, MD]

Hi,
GERD does not cause pulmonary hypertension ( Though a theoritical possibility  is there - chronic GERD>lung fibrosis>pulmonary hypertension).

SOB due to GERD is different from SOB of heart disease.

SOB of heart disease will be exertional initially and the patient has to stop the physical activity to get relief. Later this SOB occurs even at rest. In severe cases, lying down causes SOB. There may be associated symptoms like palpitations, chest pain, leg swelling and decreased urine output.

SOB of GERD may worsen by lying down. Head elevation while sleeping and PPI would provide relief if SOB is due to GERD.

In case of doubt it is better to take ECG, chest x-ray (along with a clinical examination by the doctor) to rule out heart diseases causing SOB.
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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.