GASTROENTEROLOGY COMMUNITY
can a large hiatal hernia mimic heart problems?

can a large hiatal hernia mimic heart problems?

I have a very large hiatal hernia that does not cause any problems such as Gerd, reflux, etc. but I did experience a loss of four units of blood over a period of nine months in 2007and after a blood transfusion did not lose blood again until recently when hemo went from 14.5 down to 9.9 in three months.   A colonoscopy and endoscopy  in 2007 did not reveal any reason for the blood loss.  My gastroenterologist did mention that my hernia might be the source of my bleeding but neither he nor my primary physician suggested any further treatment.  My main concern are other symptoms that I continue to experience in addition to the bleeding.  I have  shortness of breath, and have severe chest pain that extends up into my neck whenever I exert myself , but get immediate relief upon resting for ten minutes.  I have had two heart caths in four years and numerous electrocardiograms and echo stress tests and have had my heart valves checked and the doctors say there is nothing wrong with my heart.  My question is whether or not all of these heart symptoms could actually be caused by the extremely large hiatal hernia?  I also experience a very rapid pulse rate upon very little exertion.  Just cleaning off kitchen island or eating can sometimes raise pulse rate to 109.  Could this also be caused by hernia?  Thanks for any comments.
Related Discussions
2 Comments Post a Comment
Blank
Avatar_n_tn
The chest pain could actually be the result of esophageal spasms, if you have any damage to the upper part of the stomach or the esophagus. Esophageal spasms are often likened to 'heart attack pain' in those that experience them.
Blank
Avatar_m_tn
What about short pain spasms in the left arm, sort of an ache. I also have these in my right arm. I have a large hiatel hernia with GERD and just did 35 minutes on my treadmill without much problem, no pain. I am 62, and have been feeling short of breath sometimes. I am stressed also with a whole of things going on in my life. But my hernia is hurting at times to the point the food has trouble going down.
Blank
Have a Gastro question?
100,000+ doctor answers
Post a Comment
To
Comment
Post A Comment
Go
Blank
Gastro Tracker
Log symptoms & treatments
Start Tracking Now
Blank
Food Diary Tracker
What are you eating?
Start Tracking Now
MedHelp Health Answers
Submit
Top Digestive Answerers
Avatar_n_tn
Blank
CalGal
Avatar_f_tn
Blank
patient915
CA
Avatar_f_tn
Blank
mammo
Cincinnati, OH
168348_tn?1333651418
Blank
ChitChatNine
Avatar_m_tn
Blank
Morecambe
Weybridge, United Kingdom
329165_tn?1330085073
Blank
Smiley2000
Australia
RSS Expert Activity
1741471_tn?1336957856
Blank
LIVE WEBINAR TOMORROW!-SUPER BODY, ... Blank
May 22 by Michael Gonzalez-WallaceBlank
2126606_tn?1335910182
Blank
Fibromyalgia Awareness
May 11 by Clare Waismann Kavin, RASBlank
2126606_tn?1335910182
Blank
Opioid-induced hyperalgesia reduces...
May 03 by Clare Waismann Kavin, RASBlank