Pressure Exhertion After Eating.

  I had  triple bypass surgery 3 years ago.  Was very athlethic and active
  before the surgery and since.  Within a few months of the surgery I noted
  pressure in right side of abdomen and back when attempting to exercise
  within  2 hours of eating.  If I increased exercise intensity I would get
  PVC's sometimes relieved by belching.  If I hadn't eaten in several hours
  problem wasn't evident.  Another heart cath done followed by cardiolite
  stress test, with no problem found. Recently problem has become more
  severe, with non exertional pain and pressure also.  Hearth cath repeated
  2 weeks ago, and again no significant blockage.  Nitro does not have an
  effect on the pain & pressure.  One year ago had complete gastero work up
  with scope, ultrasound, cat scan, hydascan and no problem found.  Prinzide
  and Isosorbide tried, but had severe PVC's.  Librax, an antispasmodic and
  CNS depressant actually reduces symptoms more than anything else tried. It
  seems as if GI tract is somehow causing Cardo restriction.  Cardiologist
  and GI Doctor have suggested Mayo or Cleaveland C.  Any idea's on what this
  could possibly be. Could GI tract be compressing vena cava or aorta?

[CCF Cardio MD - MTR]

_
Dear Tom, thank you for your question.  From the information you've provided, I agree that your symptoms are not related to your heart.  The most likely cause, in my opinion, would be esophageal spasm, but that should have been picked up on one of your GI tests.  I doubt the GI tract is compressing your vena cava or aorta.  I agree that a comprehensive reevaluation is needed.  If you would like an appointment in the GI department here at the Cleveland Clinic, call the number listed below.   If you need any further assistance arranging an appointment here, please don't hesitate to write back.
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.