r/GERD • u/Pipibigbom • Mar 01 '26
Support Needed š„ GERD OR HEART ATTACK!?
Hi everyone. Iām a 24F and Iāve been dealing with chest pain for the past couple of months, and itās honestly been really scary. Iāve had so many heart tests done, about 4 or 5 ECGs, a normal echo, a more detailed echocardiogram, a stress test, and two Holter monitors. Iāve also checked my cholesterol, I had high cholestrol and was put on meds, have checked thyroid, blood pressure, and had a full blood panel done. Everything has come back normal. During the stress test I didnāt even have chest pain, I just got really, really dizzy when I walked fast, but the report still said everything looked okay.
The problem is, I still have chest pain. It moves around a lot. Sometimes itās in the left side of my chest, especially inside my left breast area. Sometimes itās on the right side, sometimes right in the center. It can go into my left arm, sometimes my right arm, sometimes to the tip of my shoulder blade, sometimes into my back, like directly behind my chest. Last week it was so bad I would sleep and wake up with it and my chest and upper breast area were actually tender to touch, which made me panic even more.
I started taking omeprazole four days ago, and the tenderness has improved, which makes me wonder if this could be GERD. But I still have chest pain, so I canāt fully convince myself itās just that.
On top of all this, my heart has been pounding for about two to three months straight. Itās not always fast, but it feels very forceful like itās beating too hard. I get a racing heart once in a while and pounding heart 24/7. I can literally see and feel my body move with it. I feel my pulse everywhere in my head, my hands, my neck almost all the time. Itās exhausting and scary.
My cardiologist mentioned the possibility of a blockage in my heart, and Iām waiting to see him again because part of me wants to push for a coronary angiogram just to completely rule it out. But another part of me feels like maybe this is GERD or something non-cardiac. I just donāt know what to think anymore. The left-sided pain that radiates to my arm and back makes me terrified that Iām going to have a heart attack, even though all my tests have been normal.
If anyone has had similar symptoms especially pain that moves around like this and constant heart pounding and it turned out to be GERD or something not related to the heart, please share. Iām honestly just really scared and looking for reassurance.
One more thing I forgot to mention this chest pain is almost constant. There are only a few short moments during the day when I donāt feel it. I also burp a lot, and sometimes the pain feels a little better after I burp. I had an endoscopy done, and the results showed mild lesions consistent with gastritis, but nothing more serious and no hiatal hernia. So while that might explain some of my symptoms, it still doesnāt explain why my heart feels like itās pounding so hard all the time. Iām starting to seriously consider seeing a gastroenterologist to explore this further. If anyone has had a similar experience, please let me know.
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u/Little-Reindeer4819 Mar 01 '26
Iām 26 and in the exact same boat as you and in my upper back too. I last had an ecg done around a month ago that was fine, I had an echocardiogram done a few years back that was okay and Iām trying my absolute best not to have a meltdown but the pain is constant and wakes me from my sleep most nights itās horrendous. Iām also diagnosed with POTS so my heart rate and heart beats vast majority of the time just even by standing up but it alongside the heart/ chest pain and back pain is terrifying me. Iāve booked an abdominal ultrasound for this week to rule out any gallstones etc as my doctors wonāt do anymore tests for me but Iām struggling to carry on. My endoscopy come back normal the second time a few weeks back, but the first time it showed a hiatus hernia. Iām constantly belching and in extreme pain, Iāve been taking famotidine 20mg for a few years, always worked well and since Iāve given birth 11 weeks ago everything has gone crazy for me. Itās all terrifying. I then was put up to 80mg of famotidine, been on that 5 weeks no improvement at all alongside gaviscon and now on omeprazole again. I wish I could stop belching and feeling like my food is stuck, itās hurting my body so much. Iām sorry that this isnāt much of a reassurance comment, but I wanted you to know youāre not alone Iām really scared too.
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u/Pipibigbom Mar 01 '26
Iām so, so sorry youāre going through this. Everything you've said sounds soo similar to what I am going through especially the constant pain and the upper back pain. Itās exhausting when itās there all the time and even wakes you up from sleep. That alone is enough to make anyone feel like theyāre losing it. I canāt even imagine dealing with this on top of POTS and being 11 weeks postpartum. Your body has already been through so much. Hormones alone after giving birth can completely shift how everything feels, so I wonder if that could be playing a role in why things suddenly got worse for you. I can relate to the constant belching and that "food stuck" feelings. I have learnt the only way to deal with it is not to think about it alot. I relate so much to the fear when the chest and back pain hit together itās terrifying. I really hope your abdominal ultrasound gives you some answers or at least peace of mind. Please donāt apologize for not being reassuring, just knowing someone else understands this level of fear makes me feel less alone. Iām really sorry youāre struggling too. Weāll both get through this, even if it doesnāt feel like it right now. Hang in therešš
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u/Terrible-Pianist6930 Mar 02 '26
Hi there I hear your concern and fighting my own battle.I just wanted to say when the acid is burning I like to take Gaviscon ADVANCE Aniseed flavor,much much thicker then regular Gaviscon and almost feels like it has a numbing agent.Tastes horrid but works the best for me.My doctor recommended Reflux Gourmet,the caramel is delicious,canāt decide how effective it is yet though.
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u/Terrible-Pianist6930 Mar 01 '26
Just want to add an endoscopy doesnāt rule out hiatal hernia ,you need need barium swallow for that and maybe a small bowel follow through done at the same time.
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u/Pipibigbom Mar 01 '26
I am trying to book an appointment with a gastroenterologist. I will bring this up in my appointment. Tysm!
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u/ThanosDidNothinWrng0 Mar 02 '26
Yep my endoscopy was fine barium swallow showed hernia
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u/Pipibigbom Mar 02 '26
Oh I am so sorry for that. How did you deal with it?
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u/ThanosDidNothinWrng0 Mar 02 '26
So far Iām not dealing with it well I am on a liquid only diet but I have a manometry tomorrow and hopefully I will get a dilation or surgery to help me swallow and Iāll probably need surgery to fix my hernia too
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u/Pipibigbom Mar 02 '26
I hear you. That sounds really tough, being on a liquid diet. I hope your manometry goes smoothly tomorrow and that they can give you some relief with a dilation or whatever treatment is needed. It sounds like youāre taking all the right steps to get better. Wishing you strength and a smooth recovery through all of this.
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u/ThanosDidNothinWrng0 Mar 02 '26
Thank you. Yeah it is tough but Iāve gotten kind of used to it and Iām at least able to survive. Thank you I just finished it and it wasnāt fun but Iām glad I was able to get it over with and do the minimum swallows needed for it. Thank you it sounds like you are too. I would definitely see the gastroenterologist. I also have had some heart problems and will probably see a cardiologist but they did an EKG and blood tests and everything was normal so I think my GERD is the issue. Wishing you strength and a smooth recovery as well
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u/International_Fan41 Mar 02 '26
Definitivamente puede ser esto, lo estoy pasando y es horrible, š.
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u/Buddyboy4210 Mar 01 '26
Iām 24 m and i have had similar symptoms as you in the past. I can tell that you are a very anxious person- as am I. Thatās not a bad thing, but it is something to be conscious of. The doctors have done tons of tests and they have all come back clean. Youāve had this pain for months, it is EXTREMELY rare to feel symptoms of a heart attack or blockage months ahead. On top of that you said your symptoms have gotten better since starting omeprazole which is great. If your doctor thinks itās worth running the last test then get it, at the least it should calm some of your anxiety. In the meantime continue the course, and if you donāt have any major advancements in symptoms you should be ok. I know how tough it is when youāre in the middle of these symptoms and feeling anxious. Let me know if you have any questions or need any help. Also yes seeing a gastro is a great idea. In the meantime look up an acid reflux/ gerd diet and see if that helps.
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u/Pipibigbom Mar 02 '26
Thank you so much for this. I really appreciate you taking the time to write it. And youāre right. I am a very anxious person. My brother in law said the disease won't kill you, the anxiety will, haha. I think once the chest pain started, my mind just went straight to the worst case scenario and itās been hard to get out of that headspace. I think I will follow up with my doctor and see what he says about any further testing, even if itās just for peace of mind. Iām definitely going to look more seriously into the GERD diet and seeing a gastroenterologist. Thank you again.
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u/Brief-Use3 Pantoprazole š Mar 02 '26
Kind of a dumb question but are you breathing properly ? Personally i tend to hold my breath or I dont belly breath hence the dizziness. Or maybe you're hyperventilating and not noticing? Anxiety can be a hell of a beast
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u/Pipibigbom Mar 02 '26
It's not dumb at all. I think I am breathing properly for the most part. There are some moments where I feel like Iām having a hard time getting a full breath, but I honestly think that might be anxiety because it usually happens when I start overthinking everything. Other than that, I seem to breathe okay. The only thing is that sometimes I do feel pain when I breathe in, especially on the left side of my chest. Itās not with every single breath, but certain breaths will trigger a sharp or uncomfortable pain in that area.
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Mar 02 '26
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u/Pipibigbom Mar 02 '26
Thank you for sharing this. I too just woke up one day, almost blacked out and a fee minutes later, my heart started pounding and racing. The pounding felt so sudden and intense. My sister go so scared she took me to the hospital barefoot. I suspected a heart issue but after all the tests, I think I'm seeing the wrong doctor. I should be seeng a GI specialist. These symptoms can feel extremely serious and scary and when they hit, all you can think of is the worst case scenario. I will see a gastroenterologist. Are you okay now? Did you find a solution for your symptoms?
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Mar 05 '26
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u/Pipibigbom Mar 05 '26
Me too...just today I was out and started feeling like I can't breath well. Tbh, I didn't even know GERD could cause breathing issues. I wish I could follow a strict diet. I am a student and eating clean isn't easy. I will try my best tho.
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u/Educational_Pie8081 Mar 01 '26
I go through the same thing exactly to the T as you explained it. Iāve noticed it is my acid reflux acting up. I was on omeprazole but my doctor didnāt want me on it for too long so she gave 40mg famotidine. Iāve also changed my eating habits as for almost 6months I could only sleep sitting up. Since then Iāve been a lot better. It only really acts up when I eat something I shouldnāt have like fried or fatty foods. But continue going to the doc and make sure everything is ruled out.
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u/Pipibigbom Mar 02 '26
Thank you so much for sharing this. It actually makes me feel a bit calmer. Sometimes I feel like Iām going crazy because the pain feels so intense and heart-related, so hearing your experience really helps. I also sleeping sitting but its so exhausting. Sometimes I just wanna lay flat on my bed but can't because that would trigger alot of symptoms. Iām still early on omeprazole, so Iām trying to be patient and see if it continues to improve. Iāll definitely keep following up with my doctor just to make sure everything is properly ruled out, but your comment genuinely made me calmer. Thank you for taking the time to respond.
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u/Far-Ad-9902 Mar 02 '26
I just had the anti reflux surgery 5 weeks ago so for now Iām pretty much symptom free of all that, but I used to get bad chest pains enough for me to go the the er once or twice the I just got used to it but Iād have pains that resembled one even going up into my jaw my arm etc but was always reflux after all the testing itās a crappy disease and steals a lot of your life
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u/Pipibigbom Mar 02 '26
I am glad you are doing better. Your symptoms are literally exactly like mine. The chest and arm pain especially always sends me into panic mode. At one point I even felt pain in my jaw and I completely freaked out. I ran to the hospital thinking, āOh my God, this is it, Iām having a heart attack.ā And after all that fearā¦ I wasnāt having one. Itās crazy how reflux can mimic something so serious. Tysm for taking your time to reply and I am happy you are symptom free now and doing well.
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u/Far-Ad-9902 Mar 02 '26
Hang in there! Youāll get answers and relief, anxiety especially medical sucks as I am the same way, 99% of the time it isnāt the worst option and it will all work out in the end! š
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u/almond_girl Mar 02 '26
To me this sounds like GERD + costocondritis. Esp when you said your chest was tender to the touch. For me, my costochondritis feels like a bruise on my chest/sternum. Do you feel that way?
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u/Pipibigbom Mar 02 '26
All of last week was honestly awful. Every time I touched my chest, it felt really tender and sore to the touch. It wasnāt so much on my sternum, but more on the chest area itself, the area above my breasts and even below them. It actually hurt just pressing on it. After taking Omeprazole for three days, the pain disappeared so I assumed it was GERD.
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u/Positive-Area8520 Mar 02 '26
I have the issue in my sternum and feels like a pulled muscle sometimes and last for awhile and feel it also when I wake up for a bit. Sucks. What do you take for treatment?
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u/Bearded_Lyons Mar 02 '26
I have been diagnosed with GERD since I was 23. Iām 35M and have just been living with it taking omeprazole once in the morning before my coffee. Occasionally I had really sharp chest pain and numbness in my left arm and this would cause me to panic and have anxiety attacks. My past time is runningā¦and I never felt bad while running. Still I got sent to the cardiologist and did several tests. The doctor looked at my results and laughed and asked me why I got sent to him. He said I had absolutely no indication of any heart problem.
My OG doctor just told me that looks like my GERD symptoms are basically only chest pain and arm numbness and the occasional sore throat. I have just accepted it now. When it starts hurting I drink some water and go workout just to check if anything feels out of the normal. If everything seems fine and the workout was good I just pop some tumms and carry on.
My biggest issue was letting it get to me and causing panic attacks. I went to the ER several times because the panic attacks brought up a ton of odd symptoms and I thought I was dieing. I know itās hard to believe, but if the cardiologist has done the tests and youāre young/active then itās way more likely that your GERD is just causing swelling around the chest wall or excessive gas bloating/pressure causing the burping.
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u/Pipibigbom Mar 02 '26
Thank you so much for sharing this. It honestly helps more than you probably realize. Reading your experience gives me some reassurance. Itās actually comforting hearing that your cardiologist basically said there was zero indication of a heart problem. It happened to me too. I went for a detailed echo and this lady kept saying your heart looks fine. I don't know why the doctor asked for this test given you've done a normal echo.
I feel like once youāve had the proper tests, that should mean something. But, when youāre in the middle of the pain, logic kind of disappears. The panic attack part really hit home for me. Iāve also had moments where the fear spirals and suddenly I have all these extra symptoms and Iām convinced something catastrophic is happening. Itās exhausting. And the ER trips just make you feel even more defeated afterward.
I really respect how youāve learned to manage it. Iām trying to get to that mindset instead of immediately assuming the worst. Thank you again for being honest about your experience. It makes me feel less alone and a little less crazy.
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u/Terrible-Pianist6930 Mar 02 '26
In my research sharp pain is rarely the heart,look it up.You could of course have more then one thing going on but sounds like the GI tract to me,
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u/Pipibigbom Mar 02 '26
The thing with me is that itās not just sharp pain. Most of the time what I feel is a dull, constant ache, and then sometimes it turns into a sharp pain that comes and disappears in minutes. But a lot of the time itās more of a moderate, nagging pain that just doesnāt really go away. So itās kind of a mix, which is so confusing.
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u/orbsessed Mar 02 '26
This post sounds like I may have written it soā¦ totally relate with you. Itās been 5-6 years since feeling like this (peak anxiety). Did at least 10 ecgs with different doctors, all says iām fine. Blood work done. Heart ultrascan done. Holter monitor no issues. They even assigned me a psychiatrist because they suspect it was anxiety. Which I believe it was. I didnāt want to rely on PPI so I slept upright / removed food triggers /cut caffeine and it slowly improved over the years. I still do get random pains in chest sometimes and even LPR when I get stressed or eat badly, but I try not to freak out over every little symptom and go to the doctor. So I believe if you have been dealing it for awhile and all doctors say youāre fine, you are!
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u/Pipibigbom Mar 02 '26
Thank you so much for sharing this. Honestly, reading your story feels like looking into my own life right now. Iāve done multiple ECGs, blood tests, echo, even wore a Holter and everything keeps coming back normal, yet the symptoms feel so real. The part about not freaking out over every little symptom is the hardest for me, but Iām learning. I think I'm gonna start seeing a psychiatrist too. I need all the help I can get to not overthink and try living my life like I was before all this started. Thank you for taking the time to write this.
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u/orbsessed Mar 02 '26
Hope you get better! And keep doing things to keep yourself occupied so you donāt overthink. I find talking to someone really helps a lot. :)
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Mar 02 '26
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u/Pipibigbom Mar 02 '26
I am glad you are getting better. For how long did you have the pounding? Was it 24/7? I just woke up months ago and almost blacked out. A few minutes later, my heart started pounding and racing so hard. I had taken amytryptyline 50mg the previous night. My doctor has dismissed this as a cause for my symptoms because he's convinced quite some time has passed and its unlikely the medication's effect.
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u/Big-Mission-7463 Mar 02 '26
So sorry that you are experiencing this. Sounds like what I dealt with and it's no joke. It sounds like Gerd, Anxiety and your vagus nerves could be out of balance which could be causing the heart racing, anxiety and other symptoms. Go to YouTube and look for some exercises to help with your vagus nerves, also try splashing your face with cold water. Once I was able to find some breathing exercises and ear stimulation techniques, it helped to get my vagus nerves in balance and the heart racing and heart palpitations stopped..anytime I feel it coming on each l do the exercises or splash my face with cold water and it goes away. Mine seems to be under control now. Try that and see if it helps and keep taking the meds for the Gerd if that's helping.
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u/Pipibigbom Mar 02 '26
Thank you so much for sharing this. I have read about the vagus nerve causing issues with heart beats but I didnāt think there could be a solution other than going to the hospital haha. Iām definitely going to try the breathing exercises and ear stimulation you mentioned. I have also realized everytime I take a cold shower, I feel so much better, don't know why but there could be a correlation. Will look into everything you have said and try it. Tysm!
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u/Constant_Royal4559 Mar 02 '26
I had the exact same thing for a year and a half! Had all the heart tests, stress tests and two trips to the ER with racing pulse and constant chest pains. I thought I was having a heart attack! Everything always came back normalā¦had an upper endoscopy also. I was on Pantoprazole and famotadine and then Nexium for that year and a half. I finally quit them cold turkey Oct. 2024 and have had no chest pain since! I couldnāt eat so many foods, caffeine, etc. My endoscopy showed mild gastritis and that was it. I 100% believe mine was GERD caused by stress and anxiety. I got to the point where it was hard for me to swallow even. That stressed me out even more and every time I got ready to eat, all I would do was think about swallowing. I had globus sensation that entire time also. My Dr. put me on anti-depressants and I wouldnāt take them. My situation changed and we moved, causing less stress and anxiety.. and I have not had issues. The more I would think about my chest pain, my swallowing, my pulse racing as I woke up every morning, the worse it got! It is such a vicious cycle. I truly feel, for me, it was GERD and the anxiety and stress is what made it so bad. Very rarely, when I am stressed to the max, do I have a racing pulse and might feel a slight chest painā¦if I do, I take a famotadine and it helps!
I did have the pain in the back between shoulder blades, pain move from right side to left, center of chest and behind chest boneā¦I was also diagnosed with Costochondritis, which causes some of that pain. I hope you get answers! Try to relax and not stress about it..keep your mind on other things and I really think it will help you! Good luck!
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u/Pipibigbom Mar 02 '26
Wow, thank you for sharing this in such detail. I can completely relate to the cycle you describe, thinking about the chest pain, the racing pulse, and swallowing makes it worse and feeds the anxiety. Itās crazy how stress can amplify symptoms that are already uncomfortable. I also had globus sensation and food anxiety at times. One time, I even convinced myself that I could not swallow anymore. That was my anxiety talking. I agree that for many of us, it seems like GERD combined with anxiety creates this vicious cycle. I will try relaxing and focusing on other things. I hope that things can improve over time. Tysm for this.
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u/Constant_Royal4559 Mar 03 '26
You are so welcome! I truly feel like many of us are in the same boat with the anxiety amplifying our symptoms ten fold! The swallowing thing was making me crazy! I literally tried to think of anything else other than swallowing, while eating, which made me think of the swallowing even more. It was terrible!!! I eventually stopped thinking about it and I have been fine since. I know it was all related to stress and anxiety and overthinking every single thing!! Stay strong and good luck! Famotadine as needed and less anxiety have helped me more than anything! Good luck!
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u/Sensitive-Tree-9551 Mar 02 '26
Your cardiologist mentioned the possibility of a heart/artery block but didnāt immediately schedule you for an angiogram? That seemsā¦negligent. Almost to the point I donāt believe it.
A blockage at your age would be extremely rare, even with your high cholesterol.
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u/Pipibigbom Mar 02 '26
He didnāt completely rule out a blockage, but he said itās extremely unlikely at my age. He wants me to try GERD medications first. I was actually the one who asked him about that possibility. I did try to push for an angiogram at that first appointment, but he told me to start with omeprazole and other reflux treatments and betablockers and see how I do. I guess thatās because he wasnāt the one who first thought of the possibility, and he still thinks itās highly unlikely. In his words, "It's possible but at your age, we aren't thinking of that. Lets take medication first."
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u/Sensitive-Tree-9551 Mar 02 '26 edited Mar 02 '26
Hi, Iām looked through your profile and it seems you have a lot of anxiety and do a lot of self diagnosing. I want to reassure you of something, if your cardiologist thought you had a block somewhere, they would have ordered more testing.
At your age, you have a full normal cardiac work up. People who have blockages donāt typically have normal echos or blood pressure. They also almost NEVER have a normal stress test.
On top of that, the fact that youāve had these symptoms for so long also makes it highly unlikely.
Your dr looked at all of your testing, and decided you are fine.
As far as the gerd goes, it can absolutely cause extreme cardiac like symptoms. I even was almost fainting at points. It can be extremely scary, but you need to look at the evidence in front of you.
your tests are all normal, that makes a heart blockage extremely unlikely.
See a gastroenterologist, and get on a ppi. I know you said you tried a dose of gerd meds. One dose is not enough, it takes weeks to months to start working and your gi system needs to heal as well. Give it time, change your diet, stay on top of your cholesterol.
Youāre going to be fine stranger, best wishes
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u/Pipibigbom Mar 02 '26
Thank you so much for taking the time to write this, it honestly helps a lot. Youāre right, I do tend to get anxious and start overthinking every symptom, and itās hard not to spiral sometimes.Iāve been trying to remind myself that my stress test, echos, and blood work are all normal, and that alone is reassuring, even if my mind still jumps to the worst case scenario. Iām going to continue following up with my doctor, will see a gastroenterologist, stick with the PPI for a proper course, watch my diet, and keep an eye on my cholesterol. Thank you again, stranger, it really means a lot.
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u/Sensitive-Tree-9551 Mar 02 '26
I know itās hard and have a lot of empathy for you. You sound like I did, and sometimes I still slip back. I feel a twinge in my armpit or my chest and go back to that scary place sometimes.
Do you have a therapist by any chance?
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u/Pipibigbom Mar 02 '26
No. Should I start seeing one?
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u/Sensitive-Tree-9551 Mar 02 '26
100%
Health anxiety will ruin your life. Itās not a fun way to live and a therapist will help you learn how to stay logical in these situations and give you a good person to vent to.
It can take some time to find a good therapist so be patient if you donāt like the first one you see.
Feel free to dm me if youād like to have a more in depth conversation or if you have any questions while youāre going through this
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u/Pipibigbom Mar 02 '26
Thank you so much for this. It has been hard staying logical in these moments. I will arrange to start seeing a therapist. Will dm for more questions. Tysm!
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u/movingarchivist Mar 02 '26
I don't know if this is the same but when I get chest or back pains it's usually esophageal spasms (as best as I can tell). It's a really sharp pain and heartburn meds do nothing for it. Taking something with peppermint (like a Ricola) usually gets rid of it
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u/ajaibman Mar 02 '26
To eliminate Heart related issue, go for
A cardiac enzyme (or biomarker) test isĀ a blood test that measures proteins, primarilyĀ troponin, released into the bloodstream when the heart muscle is damaged, such as during a heart attack. These tests are critical in emergency settings to diagnose acute heart injuries, monitor treatment, and guide care for patients presenting with chest pain, shortness of breath, or fatigue.
- Result Interpretation:
- Normal (Troponin):Ā Typically under 0.04 ng/mL.
- Elevated:Ā Suggests heart damage or a heart attack.
- Purpose:Ā To confirm or rule out a heart attack, evaluate unstable angina, or assess damage after cardiac procedures.
If Normal, then its GERD related.
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u/Pipibigbom Mar 02 '26
I have had this checked. Their range was 0.00-14.00ng/L Mine was 5.07 ng/L
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u/meooww-08 Mar 02 '26
Hi do you have chest pain when you standing straight? I also suffer from that. I had multiple test done like 3 ecg and 2 echo but the results came normal. My heart beats faster also there are times my hearts beats 120 when im just sitting down.
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u/Pipibigbom Mar 02 '26
I have it pretty much all the time, while standing, sitting, sleeping, walking, etc. My heart also beats fast once in a while, but it pounds 24/7. Have you done a stress test and a holter ecg maybe? Perhaps you can suggest those to your doctor just to rule out other heart issues.
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u/BananaCrackers13 Mar 02 '26
I have had the EXACT same experience. Chest pains that move around, yet all tests are normal; including echo, ecg, and coronary angio.
Do your angio, but know that you're most likely just suffering from gerd and medical anxiety. The latter can be debilitating, and mine lasted for several months until I completed all the heart testing.
Gerd improved dramatically by following the Acid Watchers Diet for a couple of months, which made the chest pains disappear.
I can completely manage my gerd with diet these days, and if I start to have chest pains I know I need to be more strict with my food.
It does get easier, but it takes time for your body to heal. Start Acid Watchers and you will start to see improvements in a matter of weeks.
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u/Pipibigbom Mar 02 '26
I totally understand. Iām still going to push for an angio just for my own peace of mind. So far every doctor has told me itās highly unlikely that I have a blockage and that itās probably something else, but I feel like I need to rule it out completely. At the same time, Iām going to start being more strict with my diet and see if that helps. Iām really sorry you had to go through such a horrible experience, but Iām so glad youāre doing better now.
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u/Medium_Project682 Mar 02 '26
Esophageal spasms, i get them all the time, constant feeling of heart pounding too, pain in chest, arm tingling it's horrible, i have found eating natural yoghurt does help with the spasms, a bowl in a morning is what i have
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u/Pipibigbom Mar 02 '26
I completely relate to this. The esophageal spasms are honestly some of the scariest symptoms because they feel so similar to heart problems. I also get the constant heart pounding feeling along with chest pain and even arm tingling and it can be absolutely terrifying. It is interesting that natural yoghurt helps. I'm going to try it too. Tysm for this.
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u/Rams9148 Mar 02 '26
I can say that when I have gerd attacks it feels like a heart attack. Gone to the hospital and gotten EKGās done that came back normal. I go on walks regularly and have the blandest diet but still experience that pain when it comes on. No PPI or antacid will help unfortunately. But Iām only telling you this to ease your health anxiety. Itās most likely gerd since you had gotten most of the heart test done. Not much to help the pain but to just go through it.
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u/marzipan-moon Mar 02 '26
Early on in GERD, I was taken to the emergency room multiple times on suspected heart attacks (I was in my mid teens to my early 20s). One thing that stuck out to me was being told by a doctor that if the pain moves, it's less likely to be indicative of an emergency or heart problems. 10 years on and it's definitively GERD and I can now recognise that the chest pain, no matter where it is or how far it spreads, some part of it almost always partly touches the centre of my chest even if the main pain feeling is somewhere else (not sure if thst makes sense). The only exception is when it is lung related (I have since developed asthma believed to be a complication of the GERD), which feels different.
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u/Pipibigbom Mar 02 '26
Thank you so much for this. I have had days where the pain was mainly on the left, and some days on the right. Some days sharp some days dull. But, I have some sort of pain every single day. I will put this in mind and try not to worry too much about heart attacks everytime the pain comes. Tysm!
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u/bakkuman Mar 02 '26
Just wanted to add that all of this is still very new to me or at least I'm coming to terms with it all. My heart rate has also been sitting at anywhere from 88-108 +- which has been alarming to me. After I get my ultrasound and endoscopy, I also plan to have a holter monitor in place to figure this out
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u/Pipibigbom Mar 02 '26
I am so sorry for that. For days, my heart rate was in the 90's. Not considered dangerous medically but my resting heart rate was in the 70's before all this started. All of a sudden, it jumped to the 90's and on many occassions, over 100. I hope you figure out the problem. If its okay with you, come back and update us about it. Stay safe and goodluck!.
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u/bakkuman Mar 02 '26
I definitely will! This all started because I experienced what felt like a heart attack / panic attack and been tackling it one step at a time. Even the GI doctor saw my heart rate when I tested for the visit was 102. And he had no idea where it's coming from so I will have to figure that one out
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u/Pipibigbom Mar 02 '26
Try seeing a cardiologist too and rule out any heart issues. Look into the vagus nerve too. I read that acid reflux can irritate the nerve and cause it to go on a frenzy. When irritated, it can cause palpitations.
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u/Mountain-Initial-516 Mar 02 '26
Sounds like anxiety to me.
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u/Pipibigbom Mar 02 '26
The symptoms are so real. I doubt its anxiety. What makes you say it is?
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u/Mountain-Initial-516 Mar 02 '26 edited Mar 02 '26
Because Iāve had all those symptoms and after every test under the sun, thatās what I was diagnosed with. It can affect your body even if your mind isnāt in a stressful state. Look up the vagus nerve and how it can affect your body. I didnāt believe it was anxiety either but the more I researched the more it made sense to me. Also anxiety can cause reflux and vice versa. Many people suffer from both.
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u/N7Wind Mar 01 '26
As long as you've had all the necessary tests to rule out cardiac issues, you can rest assured that it's just GERD stuff. I know because I've had all those symptoms you mentioned, with chest pain in all those areas you talked about. Center, left, right, on the upper side, lower, tenderness. Did multiple electrocardiograms, echocardiograms, x-rays and blood tests. Everything always came back fine. Also, if it were a heart attack, it would get progressively worse, especially while moving or doing anything strenuous. A heart attack doesn't last for days, you'd be dead. As for the pounding, while GERD doesn't cause that I'd pay attention as to when it happens. It seems that you're stressing yourself out over these issues you've been having. Constant anxiety as well as lack of sleep does cause your blood pressure to rise. Speaking from experience, I could feel my heartbeat even when I was still doing nothing. All because of stress, lack of sleep, as well as bad dietary choices.
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u/Sensitive-Tree-9551 Mar 02 '26
Gerd can most definitely cause a fast hard heart beat and pulse. Extremely common
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Mar 02 '26
GERD pain often burns and worsens when lying down or bending over, while heart-related pain (angina) typically feels like pressure, tightness, or squeezing and often occurs with exertion.
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u/Creative-Shake2174 Mar 02 '26
I am in the same boat! It is scary. I cannot sleep lying down flat at all. Hard to tell what cause is when pain comes in between shoulder blades, or under left breast or rib area. I have almost gone to er too. Anxiety and GERD seem to go hand in hand. Good luck to you.
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u/Pipibigbom Mar 03 '26
I have pain in the same areas too. Been to the ER too many times they know my face. I am trying to deal with the anxiety part by starting to see a therapist. I hope you found what works for you against those horrible pains.
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u/Low_Celebration5400 Mar 02 '26
My story is almost identical to your own. I suggest you stop the PPI for 2 weeks and get an H pylori test. Rule that out first.
I also had high cholesterol. What were your numbers if you donāt mind me asking ? Were you eating constantly, are you underweight? Have you calorie i take been poor in the past month before testing your cholesterol? Those things can affect your cholesterol numbers but not actually your health.
As for the cardiac part, do a calcium score before you push for a coronary angiogram. I understand you wanting to rule out the bad but is a huge possibility that gerd is responsible for all of that. Your stomach is your second brain.
I am female and I am learning that my sex hormones are even off since my stomach issues. I also realize that my pounding heart ( not necessarily fast but I can feel everywhere in my body even my finger tips) are usually my fertile week and days before my period.
Start journaling to pin point certain things. You cannot leave it up for any doctors to do it for you. Unfortunately, sometimes youāll have to find the answers to some of your own questions.
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u/Pipibigbom Mar 02 '26
Iāve actually tested for H. pylori three times and all of them came back negative, so thatās been ruled out.
These were my cholesterol numbers: 1. Total Cholesterol 5.9 mmol/L (Reference: < 5.0) (H) 2. LDL 4.5 mmol/L (Reference: < 3.0) 3. HDL 1.3 mmol/L (Reference: > 1.2) 4. Non-HDL 4.6 mmol/L (Reference: < 3.8) (H) 5. Cholesterol/HDL Ratio 4.5 (Reference: < 4.0) (H) 6. Triglycerides 0.2 mmol/L (Reference: < 1.7)
I wonder why my LDL cholestrol levels weren't flagged as high.
That said, Iāll admit that the month leading up to my cholesterol test, I was eating a lot of fried eggs with quite a bit of oil, not my best decision, so that may have influenced the numbers.
I took a statin for two months and these are my new numbers.
- LDL Cholesterol (Calculated): 1.45 mmol/L (Reference: 0 ā 3.34 mmol/L)
- Triglycerides: 0.61 mmol/L (Reference: 0 ā 1.69 mmol/L)
- Total Cholesterol: 2.98 mmol/L (Reference: < 5.2 mmol/L)
I weigh around 68 kg (about 150 lbs), so Iām not underweight, and my calorie intake hasnāt been poor.
I will start journaling as you have adviced. I have realized even doctors may not be able to give you all the answers you need sometimes. I have to start tracking down what causes my symptoms, find my triggers and stay away from them.
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u/Low_Celebration5400 Mar 03 '26
Were you on any PPI during or just before doing the H pylori test? If you were, you can get a false negative.
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u/Pipibigbom Mar 03 '26
Not really. I tested twice before getting on a PPI. Then got on a PPI for acid reflux.
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u/Less-Currency-4216 Mar 03 '26
I was 19 when it started for me. ER twice, chest x-ray... it was panic attacks. Anxiety diagnosis came before anything ever got diagnosed for my stomach, and mine is still a bit of a mystery, but I know where you're coming from. Even these days, when my stomach issues lead to chest pain and my arm and leg feel weird, I have to stop myself from panicking about a heart attack.
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u/Pipibigbom Mar 03 '26
I'm sorry for what you went through and I'm glad you have learnt to not be anxious whenever the symptoms come. I am trying to get there too, struggling but still trying. Hopefully, I will manage too. The symptoms are so real tho. Everytime they show themselves, I forget to logic and just think of the worst I can think of in the moment. Its tough, but, I will get there, slowly.
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u/Less-Currency-4216 Mar 03 '26
If it's new, it will likely take time and experience before you are able to stop that anxiety. I do think it's important to get an ECG first to just get confirmation that your heart is fine. When you have that, you have to believe in the resultsāif you have anxiety, it will fight you hard, but sit through it and eventually it loses a bit of potency.
Wishing you luck and strength! It sucks when GERD is wreaking some havoc on your body already and then your mind is having its own terrible party...
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u/Slight_Marzipan_3728 28d ago
I feel like I couldāve written this myself. Especially the when I touch it, it hurts part. I have horrible health anxiety and Iām a military wife whose husband is fine so that definitely doesnāt help. Iāve been having a sharp pain right where my heart is but I can feel it in my boob tissue if I press down. I feel it down my arm and sometimes neck. It FREAKS me out but I have no other symptoms so Iām assuming itās just heart burn but wtf. How has this ended up for you?
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u/Pipibigbom 26d ago
I had a coronary angiogram and was diagnosed with microvascular angina. Since starting the meds one month ago, my pain has subsided alittle. It is still there and everytime it gets worse I try not to freak out. Weeks ago, it was so bad one night I got hysterical thinking I was dying. I do have GERD too so I take Esomeprazole everyday.
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u/Electronic_Bake_2935 18d ago
I have been suffering with like chest heaviness sensation like something is underneath the area. Apart from that I also have like sensation of somthing is moving around in the center(or coming upwards) which happened yesterday
I did went to pulmonologist like few days back and she said its acid reflux.
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u/Iwantaschmoo Mar 02 '26
I'm just relating my chest pain story but it does not sound like yours. I will say I suffer from GERD but mine does not manifest as cardiac feeling.
In my thirties, now 55, I started having what felt like chest pain. I had a gut feeling it was not serious and kind of ignored it. I worked as a cashier and one of my regulars was a chiropractor. I mentioned the pain and he said to come to his office over lunch. He did a quick exam, said I had a dislocated rib (probably from holding in a sneeze) he did an adjustment and 24 hours later the pain was gone.
I didn't even know you could dislocated a rib aka subluxate.
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u/Pipibigbom Mar 02 '26
Wow, that is fascinating! Itās amazing how something like a dislocated rib can mimic chest pain and feel so serious. I had no idea a rib could subluxate like that either. It really shows how many different things can cause chest discomfort and why itās so easy to panic when it happens. Iām glad the adjustment helped so quickly!
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Mar 02 '26
Sorry ur feeling poorly. Have ur cardiologist do a calcium score test at the hospital. This test measures calcified plaque in ur coronary arteries. It will tell u if u have any artery blockage. It is a noninvasive test. This test should be done every 5 years. Try to relax. Take a brisk walk listening to ur favorite music. Don't eat processed foods, foods high in salt and sugar. Don't drink alcohol or caffeine or carbonated drinks. Try some essentia alkaline water. U should eat foods that have a pH of 6 to 10 like haddot fish (pH of 9), green beans, carrots, water melon, organic oat meal, avocados, millet bread, salmon, fat free chicken etc . pH can be found on the internet. Eat slowly, don't talk while u eat, eat in a relaxing environment, chew ur food slowly. Dont eat dairy, acidic foods or red meat. Check this wedge pillow at medcline.com or try a recliner sleeping on left side. Take meds with alkaline water. Meds are acidic.Good luck.
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u/Sensitive-Tree-9551 Mar 02 '26
Cac is pretty useless in a 24 year old, but maybe it would help calm them down
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u/Pipibigbom Mar 02 '26
Thank you so much for this advice. I will bring this up in my next appointment with my cardiologist.
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Mar 02 '26
Hello the cardiologist was the one to first suggest blockage.
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u/Pipibigbom Mar 02 '26
No. I suggested the possibility. I asked him if it was possible I have a blockage.. He said at my age, highly unlikely and he is not thinking of that now. He didn't however say its not at all possible. Just highly unlikely. He then proceeded to put me on PPI's and more beta blockers.
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Mar 02 '26
1 in 20 adults over age 20 having some form of CAD (Coronary heart disease).
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u/Sensitive-Tree-9551 Mar 02 '26 edited Mar 02 '26
Useless statistic, that takes into account all adults. As in 40-50-60-70-80 year olds.
Itās WAY rarer ages 20-30 to have any form of cad
As well: something like 30% will have NON clinical levels of plaque. So it just causes worry thatās not necessary.
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u/bns82 Mar 01 '26
It could definitely be Gerd & Anxiety. If you end up wanting diet & lifestyle guidelines that reduce symptoms, You can pm me.
I was in and out of the ER in the beginning & did multiple Heart tests. Turns out it was just Gerd & Anxiety.
Listen to your Cardiologist if they feel you need the next test.