Unusual GERD Symptoms
Heart palpitations are a normal event that everyone experiences every now and again for example, when you’re suddenly startled by something. However, there are also times when they are brought about by adverse health or environmental conditions, including occassionally as a GERD symptom.
“Heartburn” sensations aside, it is now recognized that many people suffer from heart palpitations and other cardiac symptoms in conjunction with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). In fact, it isn’t uncommon for people suffering from GERD to complain of pain similar to that of angina and other heart conditions due to the acid inflaming the esophagus and causing abnormal muscle contractions.
This abnormal muscle contraction is known as a bronchospasm as it is a spasm of the bronchi (breathing tubes) and can cause chest pain or discomfort as well as wheezing. GERD causes this reaction in some sufferers because the acid, which rises in the throat, can stimulate the esophageal nerves, causing a chain reaction of nerve stimulation in the area; thus creating a bronchospasm.
However, it should be noted that GERD has not been proven to be the direct cause of heart palpitations. GERD causes chest pain due to the muscle contractions, and that can make the sufferer feel anxious or stressed. It is most commonly accepted that it is this anxiety that is the actual cause of the palpitations. GERD symptoms can also bring on symptoms of angina and heart pains, such as nausea and shortness of breath, which can often lead a person to believe that they are suffering a heart attack and lead them to have more heart palpitations.
That being said, many doctors believe that GERD can cause a similar reaction to that of bronchospasm, called tachycardia (rapid heart beat). Though yet to be proven in clinical tests or studies, doctors who frequently treat patients with GERD believe that it is possible for a similar chain reaction to that causing bronchospasm to occur closer to the heart. They believe that when nerves within the esophagus are stimulated, the chain reaction can continue toward the heart, causing a GERD sufferer to feel irregular or rapid heart beating, such as palpitations. Bronchospasm has also been known to lead to tachycardia for reasons other than GERD, so there is no reason to discount the thought that it could also happen due to acid reflux.
It is important to recognize that whether you think your heart pains and angina-like symptoms are caused by GERD or an actual heart problem, you should always contact your doctor. A proper diagnosis will lead you to the best treatment to resolve the cause of your symptoms.
Seeing a doctor is especially important if you are already considered to be at-risk for heart disease. Never assume that GERD is the cause of your chest pain and palpitations until a doctor has indeed ruled out a heart-related condition. Remember, while it is important to stay calm and not overreact if you are often experiencing these symptoms, heartburn sensations and chest pain can also be a significant indicator of heart disease and should be carefully evaluated by a medical professional.
Also, not all symptoms of heart conditions are mirrored by GERD symptoms. GERD has no record of causing ringing in the ears, blurred vision, or temporary dizziness. Therefore, if your chest pain or heart palpitations are experienced alongside these additional symptoms, it is very important that you seek immediate medical attention to discount food allergies, drug interactions, or actual heart problems.
Acid Reflux Treatment
If you are suffering from acid reflux, GERD or heartburn most doctors will recommend some form of prescription medication to combat the symptoms you are experiencing. The problem with this approach is apart from being expensive, most medications prescribed for acid reflux, heartburn and GERD are not designed for long term use and tend to mask the problem rather than addressing it.
For reliable acid reflux, heartburn and GERD treatment information that focuses on preventing and controlling symptoms naturally, read Stop Acid Reflux Now; an easy to follow, comprehensively researched downloadable book by Kathryn Whittaker.
Stop Acid Reflux Now shows you how to easily take control of your acid reflux, heartburn and GERD symptoms through the use of effective natural methods that avoid the need for expensive medications. Read how some really simple lifestyle changes can have a huge positive effect on your health, enhancing the quality of your life.