Scared-- is it 'just GERD' or is it heart disease?

[mamamarmot]

I am at my wit's end. I have Barrett's Esophagus, had a Nissen (1999) that came undone with pregnancy and chronic gastritis. I am on 40 mg nexium, 40 pepcid daily. I had a complete thyroidectomy in 1999, so my levels fluctuate and my med levels need constant tinkering for me to be at the right TSH level. I am 39 y.o. female, about 75 lbs overweight.

I recently had an echo done which showed my left artrium was slightly enlarged (4.4 vs. 4.1 rght side), but ekg's consistently show no problem. My total cholesterol is 221; I have just started taking red yeast rice and co q 10 supplements. I have frequent palpitations, racing pulse and feel like I can't get enough breath, though when I get tested I have an oxygen saturation level of 99%.

I am constantly concerned that I am imminently going to have a heart attack, even though I am constantly told that it's GERD related, but I just can't completely believe it. There is a constant worry in the back of my mind that I have heart disease and it's just being pushed aside due to my GI stuff. Do GERD issues have any correlation to anxiety? I've been having mini panic attacks for lack of a better term, but then I do some research and find that some heart conditions can mimic panic attacks, which do nothing to comfort me...

Basically, I'm sick of feeling scared and sick all the time.It seems like everyday there's always something healthwise that's going on with me that scares me half to death. Is the enlarged atrium combined with my cholesterol level and my b.p. (lately 146/93)something more dangerous than I being told  by my doctors? If this truly is "just" GERD, how do I train my mind to not focus on dropping dead of a heart attack on a daily basis? This definitely effects the quality of my life.

Another concern that I have is I have just started exercising again after a long period of being sedentary. Acording to the trainer I'm working with, my target heart rate is 118-158. I was getting up to 172 in spots, then trying to slow myself down. After exercising, it felt like it took forever for my heart to beat at a semi-normal rate; at least 1/2 hour or longer. Then I made the mistake of reading a study online that said slow recovery rate after exercising was a huge predictor of sudden death from a heart attack. My hope is that because i am so out of shape, that it is normal for me to take forever to get back to normal heart rate and as I get more conditioned, the recovery rate will be faster and more efficient. It takes virtually no effort on my part for me to be short of breath and
have a fast heart rate. Is this to be expected, or again, should I be concerned about my heart and modify my movement? I really want to get some exercise in my life because i can't see getting any better without it.

If i could just get some straight answers, it would be a huge help to point me in the right direction. Thanks

[Kevin Pho, MD]

I agree that ruling out heart disease would come first in diagnosing your symptoms.  A reasonable test to do this would be to obtain a stress-echocardiogram (i.e. an echocardiogram that is done after a stress test).  If negative, it is unlikely that the pain is coming from the heart.  

If there is concern about palpitations, an event monitor can be done.  This is a portable heart monitor that is worn - when the symptoms occur, a button is pressed so that the rhythm at that moment is recorded.  

I would discuss these options with your personal physician.  Obtaining a stress-echocardiogram can go a long ways to quelling your concerns about the heart.

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

[NickyIsHere123]

"Do GERD issues have any correlation to anxiety? I've been having mini panic attacks for lack of a better term, but then I do some research and find that some heart conditions can mimic panic attacks, which do nothing to comfort me..."

Yes, GERD will cause you to panic and think you are going to have a heart attack. My mother thought she had a lump in her throat because of GERD. Have you tried elavating your bed slightly?
I am sure if you are a GERD patient that you have tried this already, but all you do is find some books or a block that equals about a foot 1/2 or so ( 18 inches...) and put them under eat foot of the bed ( headboard side)

I also had a gallbladder problem and needed to do this too. It does help, although long term can stress the lower back, so only do it until the GERD gets under control.

Good Luck

[NickyIsHere123]

"Basically, I'm sick of feeling scared and sick all the time.It seems like everyday there's always something healthwise that's going on with me that scares me half to death."


You might want to talk to your doctor about GAD ( Generalized Anxiety Disorder) too. If you are constantly worrying about your vitals and the conditions you have and it interferes with your normal routine ect... then you may very well have this. Sometimes it is not easy to pinpoint this in yourself, but your doctor should be able to. I know there are several safe drugs to take that can get your thinking back on the right track...

Good Luck

[stanmc]

I'm fairly new to the condition but experienced two distinct "panic attacks" as my first signs I had damage internally do to GERD: accelerated heart rate, left arm pain or numbness, flushed/adrenalin feeleing. After being tested twice in the ER for heart attacks, I had a stress test done as the doctor is recommending for you. All was normal.
I'd highly recommend following this advice. This will also give you the opportunity to speak with a Cardiologist and that could not only rule out the liklihood of heart failure for you, but will help with the mental state you describe. You're not alone there. Even after getting confirmation that the heart is fine, my mind still will entertain the thought of heart attack with some of these chest pain/left arm sensations.
I would hope you can overcome the worry without medication.
God Bless.

[yoshi]

40 MG PEPCID and 40 mg nexium??
I would try to reduce the medication and watch your diet .
There is such thing as too little stomach acid,how do you digest food??
certain exercise can make things worse,google for 'jarring exercise'.it could loosen the sphlincter,sorry cant spell that.