Suggest Treatment For Intermittent Upper Chest Pain When I Have GERD And Anxiety Problems

Posted on Wed, 9 Feb 2022

Question: I have GERD I have anxiety problems
I’ve been having upper chest pains off and on today I think it’s heart related I’ve had ekgs done and all they were good
I’m not short of breath

Answered by Dr. Lekshmi Rita Venugopal (50 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Need to undergo stress testing

Detailed Answer:

Hello,

The chest pain you are experiencing can be due to GERD, anxiety or most importantly coronary artery disease.
An EKG alone cannot rule out coronary artery disease. And it is very important to undergo cardiac stress testing, especially if you are male above 50 years with a positive family history and other associated risks like hypertension, smoking etc.
So please be advised to undergo stress testing.
As far as managing GERD
-Avoid spicy, fatty and fried food. Avoid carbonated drinks
-Eat small frequent meals
-Give at least 2 hours between dinner and bed time
- You can also try raising head end of bed using blocks under bedposts
-Take Pantoprazole 40 mg every day in morning

You may also considering discussing yiur anxiety issue with your doctor. Anxiety is best treated with a class of medication called SSRIs. Also try relaxation techniques like meditation or yoga.

Hope this answers your question
Please let me know if you need further clarification
Regards
Dr.Lekshmi

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D

Follow up: Dr. Lekshmi Rita Venugopal (4 hours later)

I’m only 31 years of age
No coronary problems in family

Answered by Dr. Lekshmi Rita Venugopal (7 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Answer detailed below

Detailed Answer:
Hi again,

If you are only 31 with no other risk factors, then cardiac issues is not of a major concern. Please be advised to manage GERD and anxiety as detailed above.

Regards
Dr.Lekshmi

Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Kampana