What Causes Burning Sensation In Stomach Radiating To Chest And Neck?

Posted on Tue, 30 Sep 2014

Question: Hi. I am asking about a problem my father has had over the last couple of weeks. He has a history of thyroid dysfunction and diabetes, both which are medicated. However over the last couple of weeks, he has developed symptoms, which include a burning sensation in his stomach, which then permeates up his chest and to his neck/throat area, causing him to sweat and spike his blood sugar. The pain also spreads to his legs in the quadriceps area. Symptoms occur when he is not at rest (walking, standing, driving, etc) and last several minutes up to 20 minutes. He is getting blood tests etc done this week. Does this sound familiar to anyone? He is 67 years old, 5'7, and about 200lbs. Thank you.

Answered by Dr. Muhammed Aslam (24 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Angina to be ruled out urgently

Detailed Answer:
Hello dear,welcome to HCM forum.

Exercise induced pain/discomfort in the chest/upper abdomen that radiates to surrounding sites is suggestive of angina(coronary artery occlusion),especially in the background of long term diabetes.Sweating and hyperglycemia is caused by the autonomic response to anginal pain.

This needs urgent evaluation by a cardiologist.You may be asked for investigations like ECG,echo,stress testing,blood routine examination etc.

Meanwhile,try to avoid exertion till the issue is sorted out.Avoid anxiety and extreme emotions-these can precipitate anginal attacks.Also,try to maintain blood sugar and BP in the normal range.Whenever he feels pain,ask him to sit down quietly for few minutes,till the pain is completely resolved.
Kindly get an appointment with cardiologist at the earliest.

Hope I have answered your query.
Wishing for everything to be fine.
Regards,
Dr Muhammed Aslam.

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T