GERD, Esophageal Spasms, and Heart palpitations

[GV40]

I have been suffering from episodes of pain and discomfort in the epi-gastric area. It feels like I am going to have a heart attack, it is a pressure/discomfort in upper abdomen and back between shoulder blades with palpitations and difficulty getting a deep breath. It seems to come on as an "attack". I find that it happens most during my walks for exercise, when bending over, before or after meals, and also before bowel movements. I have had several tests run: abdominal ultrasound normal, several EKG's normal, Echocardiogram showing MItral Valve Prolapse, Endoscopy showing gastritis, eosinophilic esophagitis, incompetent LES. I have been taking Achipex in the AM and Zantac in the PM. Plus really watching what I am eating.  It seems to be OK for awhile and then like out of the blue I will get one of these attacks. I'm not sure what else to try, the Dr's haven't been very helpful. The last few episode I went in feeling terrible and left feeling the same way, their only suggestion is to double up the medicines. I really believe that the episodes are been caused by the esophageal spasms, is there any way to treat that other than double up the Gerd medications?

[BarqueSailor]

Thank you very much!! I had an episode the other day; an esophageal spasm that triggered a brief heart palpitation. I was overheated and doing strenuous cardio exercise. I accidentally chugged down a big gulp of ice water and slush... you guessed it; I thought I was having a heart attack. It only lasted about 10 seconds, but to put it mildly, It was not fun. A trip to the ER confirmed my heart was OK, and one of the docs suggested an esophagel spasm. I was hopeful, but not totally convinced. After reading your entry I feel much better. Best of luck to you and all others that have posted here.

[Shiralee]

It is my prayer that this becomes much more common knowledge, especially among the entire medical community. If I am lying down to go to sleep and begin to feel and hear my heartbeat I know by this time that I should simply go into the bathroom and do the necessary. Only THEN can I get back to sleep. After years of ambulance, ER trips, etc. I have had to come to my own conclusions about this. It may be that the gastroenterologists know this and are not sharing. SW

[crambone]

wow,,,i have finaly found someone who has the exact same thing i get.
i have had every test u can imagine,and nothing!!!
also i have had the liver,heart,pancreas,and gullbladder all cleared,and found to be in good shape,arteries also!!
so i wouldnt worry too much about it,,,i too have some gerd once in awhile,but i take a pepcid complete in the morning,and in the evening,and i think this helps.
i notice mine comes on sometimes when im sitting down too,and when i get up and stand straight,it often feels better,but mine too comes on in "attacks" lasts a few minutes and goes away.
im sorry to hear you have this too,but im glad im not alone.

[viking67]

Hi,
I have heart palpitations. Been steady every day for the past 3 months (this episode anyway). Sometimes I get 1 or 2 days of relief but mostly steady. Cardiologist has cleared me of any serious heart problems but gave no explanations or help.

I have had stomach/chest problems for the past few years. Sometimes so severe that its hard to breathe. I know now that most of that problem came from hard-core drinking. But I don't do that anymore... and I still have stomach/chest discomfort (causing heart palps?)... I tried nexium and all that stuff... nothing helps the palps.

I wore a heart monitor and confirmed that these really are palps or PVCs. But no explanation for WHY I am having these... it has turned my life upside down... cant sleep... canceled vacations...

One weird note... If I gulp air into my throat so that it gets trapped in my esophagus... the palps seem to lessen or even go away a bit...

any ideas?!?!

[Dorie777]

I've had this happen lots of times.  But these spasms only started AFTER I had RNY Gastric Bypass Surgery.  The first episode happened after I drank some Niquel.  I woke up and thought I was having a heart attack and my husband called 911.  After finding out my heart was fine, they did say I was extremely low on potassium.

I still have these attacks and it always happens after I have a food seasoned with ground red pepper and I love red pepper!

[Dorie777]

When I feel one coming on I can cut it short by taking small sips of fluid constantly until it passes.  If the spasm gets to far along, I have to endure the symptoms (in agony).  They are usually over in about five minutes if they get full blown.  It seems like hours though!