Chest pains and GERD

I am a 37 year old female and have had 2 sinus node ablations for IST. Because of my medical history, I have a yearly stress test, with my last one done nearly a year ago and all was fine. About 3 weeks ago, my daughter and I both came down with some sort of stomach virus, and I woke up experiencing chest pains under my breatbone. I only felt the pains when standing or moving around. I had lots of stomach cramps as well. My doctor ran an EKG and it was normal. He prescribed a double dosage of Prilosec and within a couple of days the chest pains had greatly decreased. However, the past few days I have experienced a dull pain in both of my biceps and also at the base of my throat. Could all of this be attributed to GERD? Should I have any further cardiac testing done, or with my age and a good stress test a year ago should I not worry?

[Forum-M.D.-MM]

Hello,

Sorry to hear about your recent concerns.  When you mention frequent stress tests because of your history, do you have a strong family history of premature coronary artery diesease?  Inappropriate sinus tachycardia ablations usually do not require yearly stress testing.  In the absence of strong risk factors of cardiovascular disease, coronary artery disease is very rare in 37 year olds.  Usually in this age group chest pains are non cardiac (GERD, anxiety).  If the pain occurs with movement, this is often muscle pains, especially if it feels more sore than pressure or squeezing.  I agree that talking to your doctor about symptoms like this are important, but would not rush to a stress test unless you pain truly sounded cardiac (increasing with exertion and slowly improving with rest).

I hope this helps.  Thanks for posting.

[EchoTech]

My money would be on the GERD.  You do not say if you still are taking the Prilosec and experienceing the pain.  If you are not taking it, then that is in all probability the culprit.

Stress tests are generally good for about a year, but you are relatively young for gettting one every year, especially if just the IST is your only risk factor.  I would try to work with your doctor towards a solution.  Remember you have the final say because you are the boss of him.  (you are paying the bills)

Good night and good luck

[PikaPika88]

I heard many people said after the stress test can be followed with a heart attack.  I personally experienced a very naughty heart after that.  It lasted few weeks.  I also have a massive chest pain after few weeks.  SO no offer for me, STRESS TEST!