Gall Bladder and Heart Rate?

Sometimes after a meal I have some mild pain under the ribcage on the right side and feel somewhat bloated.  My doctor thinks this might be developing gall bladder problems.  I've noticed that my heart rate seems to go up during these episodes, like to 85 or 95 bpm.  I think my heart rate normally goes up a little when I'm digesting food, but it seems more pronounced when I have these "gall bladder attacks" or whatever they are.  That seems odd, why would there be a connection between the gall bladder and my heart?

Are mild attacks like this reason for big concern?  Should I have my gall bladder checked?  I know other people have really severe pain from gall bladder disease, but this is just more of an annoyance and has been happening for years.

[Kevin Pho, MD]

Yes, I would get your gallbladder checked.

Liver function tests and an abdominal ultrasound would be tests to consider.  If the results remain negative, you can also consider further imaging with a CT scan or an upper endoscopy to look for disorders of the upper GI tract.

These options can be discussed with your personal physician.

This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.

Kevin Pho, M.D.

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