Elevated HIAA Worry

[gpwanderer]

Hello, I'm a 34 yo man with GERD symptoms bloating, burping and frequent jabbing pains in throughout the abdominal area.  I also suffer from palpitations due to anxiety and panic attacks.  

My primary care doc ordered a 24 hour HIAA test and it came back elevated 14.8 mg.

I am really hoping this is a false positive result, but can't see the doctor till next week.  I know that certain foods (bananas, walnuts, tomatoes) can cause a false positive, but how much would you need to eat to get an elevated result?

Is there anything else that could cause an abnormal reading?

I am taking Coumadin (DVT + Factor V Leiden), atenelol (small dose for palpitations and positive tilt test) and Protonix (for reflux)

[gpwanderer]

Thanks for the info.  My doctor didnt say anything about not eating certain foods (I don't know why) I usually eat a banana every morning and have at least half a tomato in a salad.  I was just wondering if that alone could account for the high result.

Looks like we'll have to do it again.

[Dr Vinod]

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)  causes chronic symptoms of irritation of the innermost layer of lower part of the oesophagus produced by the abnormal reflux  of acid into the esophagus.
The most-common symptoms of GERD are:

Heartburn ,Regurgitation ,Trouble swallowing (dysphagia)
Pain with swallowing ,Excessive salivation ,Nausea, Chest pain
As you told you are experiencing these.

You should go for complete cure of GERD as in longterm there is a chance of oesophagal cancer. For treatment of GERD follow what the clinician says.

HIAA is a product of a hormone called Serotonin. This test looks at the level of 5-HIAA in the urine, It is often done to detect tumors.

Your doctor would have advised not to take some particular drugs and also not to eat before 3 days of the test:  plums, pineapples, bananas, eggplant, tomatoes, avocados, and walnuts. (You should have avoided these things)
You have to follow this perfectly and then co-relate the values.
If you have followed these instructions there is a less chance of elevation of the result