GERD/Chest Pain/Prilosec

[stanmc]

First, thank you for this service. It is very helpful.

I wanted to post my symptoms/diagnosis/treatment for an objective review. Perhaps it will also give someone else some helpful information. I am 41, male, of good general health, moderately active, no smoking, occasional beer/wine.

I experienced two episodes of heart palpitations, accompanied by a flushed or adrenaline-like feeling throughout my upper body. The second time this happened there was also a minor pain in the front of the left shoulder. Both times I believed I may be having a heart attack, although there is no family history of heart disease. Both times I went to the ER and was monitored/tested. The second time I was there, I had another palpitation while lying in bed, heart rate up to 120 or so. No heart attack.

I was sent to a Cardiologist for a stress test. Got the ticker up to 180, all results were normal. Cardio suggested stomach/digestive issues may be to blame, she’s seen it many times before.

My Primary put me on Prilosec, 40mg/day. I regularly experienced minor chest pains, occasional stomach pains. Sometimes got the flushed/adrenaline feeling after laying down at night. Also had arm numbness/tingling that slowly subsided over several weeks. After being on Prilosec for several weeks, I began to have sporadic funny taste in my mouth, sort of metallic, sometimes a bit bitter.

I Had an Upper GI Endoscopy recently. This was about three months after the very first episode. GI doc said all looked good. He did find an elevated level of Billirubin in my blood tests. Explained it is a benign condition. I’ve seen no discoloration in eyes or skin.

Overall, I have had a slow improvement (about 3.5 months since first episode). Some days are a bit worse than others regarding chest pain or “fluttering”, warm feeling in chest. Pains are never more than a two, and usually a one, on a scale from 1-10. Arm numbness is pretty much gone. I’m able to sleep through most nights, although sometimes when falling asleep I’ll jerk awake, as if to catch my breath. Not sure what that relates to, sometimes is in association with the warm, fluttering chest sensation. Heart rate has not raced beyond about 85 since the first two episodes. I am almost completely caffeine free.

One (I think) unrelated problem I’ve had is back pain in the muscle between shoulder blade and spine. On one side this has happened before as I sit at a computer and believe it to be Rep. Stress. It began to appear on the other side after I started sleeping in a more inclined position. So I blame it on that. I have bought a wedge (was using pillows) and it has subsided some but not entirely.

I’m looking for your opinion based on all of this. Is there anything else my doctors may not be considering, or does this all fit with GERD? If the endoscopy showed no (current) damage, are these symptoms all still attributable to GERD? What might explain the taste in my mouth?

Thank you very much and God Bless.

[Kevin Pho, MD]

You have had a pretty good cardiac and GI evaluation.

The stress test would evaluate for any potential blockages in the arteries and the upper endoscopy would look for the major GI diseases.  

I would consider imaging the heart with an echocardiogram to look for structural causes that can lead to arrhythmia.  A Holter or cardiac event monitor can be considered to monitor for arrythmias when you are having your palpitations.

If the cardiac tests are negative, you can consider further GI testing.  A 24-hr pH study can be considered to definitively evaluate for GERD.  

Regarding the taste in your mouth - GERD or chronic sinusitis/rhinitis are common causes of this symptom.

These options can be discussed with your personal physician.

Followup with your personal physician is essential.

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, M.D.
kevinmd_b

[conniebear]

Have you tryed anything other than Prilosec?  Sometimes you may get better relief with a different type of medication.  I found Nexium 40mg is the only thing that works for me, Prilosec didn't do justice for my GERD.  I work for a gastroenteroligist and there are several different types of medication to help treat and prevent GERD. Your GI should have samples you can try because it can become very expensive trying different things until you find the one that works for you. (even with insurance)

[yellowrose]

connie , since you work gor a gastro dr, do you see a lot of prople with gred and heart paps , skiped beats do you know if that goes hand in hand i have gerd  bad and have a lot of paps when gerd is acting up. just wondering . thanks barbara

[conniebear]

GERD does cause chest pain and increased heart rates, a lot of times people think they are having a heart attack when it is actually GERD, not that you should ever assume that is what is it, you can't mess around with the heart. I also suffer from severe GERD and actually get shortness of breath from it as well as chest pain.

[Stardawg]

I have the exact symptoms - I mean exact!!!!  THe feelins of electricity running down my arms and through my head.  Jerking up in the middle of the night!  Been to the ER 5 times in the last 5 months.  Heart takes off to 150/160 then back down - then back up but all heart test fine.

I keep thinking I am going to die - that this is the start of some rare disease.

I was diagnosed in Feb.  with Eosinophylic Esophagitis (EE).  They think this is causing everything but I still have questions.  Potential food allergy, but I question that.  Alcohol definately makes it worse, but I don't think it is the cause.

It is miserable.  I am sure this is what you have.  PLease let me know if you find anything that helps besides eating from a feeding tube for the rest of my life.

Matt

[xxlee]

AFter my gall bladder surgery, I have the exact symptoms. These are some of the causes that may have contributed to the problem:
1. One of the cause is the antibotic (antibiotic) drug that I was taking. By not taking the drug, the jerking stop.
2. Yes, taking prilosec does make cause it to happen too but just a little. I'm reducing it to 20mg only.
3. The hot flash could be because of your low "andropause." It is the same as menopause. If you work out everyday, the hot flash will go away.
4. Be careful what you eat. Too much acid does contributed to it.

I am taking prilosec and herbs and I am feeling better. Avoid any drug, drink lots of water, and low diet will help your symptom.  Email me if you to chat.. ***@****

[kj108]

I have these exact symptoms as well. There is something going on with the foods we eat. I would strongly suggest the MAKERS DIET. It is hard to follow a diet but it has helped many people. I have tried to stay on this diet but these epigastric and digestive problems almost make me crave terrible things to eat. If anyone finds a cure please post.