What Causes Intense Heart Burn Long After Heart Surgery?

Posted on Sun, 13 Nov 2016

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Sun, 13 Nov 2016 Answered on

Tue, 29 Nov 2016 Last reviewed on

Question : Hello I had open heart surgery 4 gabage 5 months ago. Recently I've experience heart burn when I'm stressed or if I've put in a long day maybe even having lifting a bit. Any answers ?

Answered by Dr. Ilir Sharka (20 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
My answer as follows:

Detailed Answer:
Hello!

Welcome and thank you for asking on HCM!

Regarding your concern, I would explain that it is necessary performing a comprehensive differential diagnosis between 3 main causes that may lead to your complaints:

- myocardial ischemia.
- gastro-esophageal reflux
- a musculo-skeletal pain, probably related to the sternum sutures.

Coming to this point, I would recommend consulting with your attending physician and performing some tests:

- a chest X ray study
- a resting ECG And a cardiac ultrasound
- a cardiac stress tests if no contraindications would help detect possible ECG changes during physical effort.
- some blood lab tests (complete blood count, PCR, sedimentation rate for inflammation).

I would also recommend trying some antiacids or PPI (omeprazone, lansoprazole). If your symptoms are relieved by these drugs it would indicate possible gastro-esophageal reflux underlying your symptoms.

You should discuss with your doctor on the above issues!

Kind regards,

Dr. Iliri

Note: For further queries related to coronary artery disease and prevention, click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar