Heartburn

  My question simply is how often is heartburn and a sour stomach feeling related
  to a cardiac problem instead of merely a gastrointestinal one?  Can one NOT have a gastrointestinal problem
  but have this only related to the heart?  Can Imdur be the cause of this
  stomach upset?

[CCF Cardio MD - MTR]

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Dear Robin, thank you for your question. Heartburn (also know as acid indigestion) occurs when the stomach produces too much acid and causes a discomfort that may be misinterpreted as anginal chest pain. Often, acid indigestion is accompanied by gastroesophageal reflux of acid up the esophagus.  Acid indigestion doesn't cause a cardiac problem but may be related if the cardiac problem causes increased stress which can in turn increase stomach acid production.  Imdur usually doesn't cause stomach upset also.  If you are confused about your symptoms (cardiac or GI related), I suggest that you speak with your physician since I'm unable to make diagnoses in this forum.  
I hope you find this information useful.  Information provided in the heart forum is for general purposes only.  Only your physician can provide specific diagnoses and therapies. Please feel free to write back with additional questions.  Good luck!
If you would like to make an appointment at the Cleveland Clinic Heart Center, please call 1-800-CCF-CARE or inquire online by using the Heart Center website at www.ccf.org/heartcenter.   The Heart Center website contains a directory of the cardiology staff that can be used to select the physician best suited to address your cardiac problem.