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What Causes Radiating Pain In The Chest While Eating?

Posted on Tue, 12 Feb 2019

Question: Hi. I’m a 25 year old, 115 pound female. I have many health problems GERD and hiatal hernia have been diagnosed. But my mom was just diagnosed with EDS and POTS which I believe may answer for all of my pain and physical problems. I am used to getting light- headed if I sit or stand too quickly or when I take a shower/ have a BM... things like that; with rapid pounding heart, Nausea, sweating, nervousness and inability to excercise. But for about a month now I have been having episodes that last about 30 minutes where it feels like my heart stops which takes my breath away and then it quickly begins fluttering and my chest is very uncomfortable and achy. This also makes me feel sleepy, lightheaded, and like I can’t quite focus my eyes correctly. It also makes me feel like I’m not getting enough air even though I can breath just fine. After it finally passes my chest aches even worse than while it is happening and it lasts for days. I’ve noticed it only seems to happen when I eat, but not every time. However, it is beginning to happen more frequently (quite a few times a week). This is new and feels very scary and uncomfortable when it happens. Could it be Dysautonomia— maybe a triggering of the vague nerve? Should I worry about my heart?

Answered by Dr. Ilir Sharka (12 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
I would recommend performing some tests.

Detailed Answer:

Hello,

Your symptoms are not typical of dysautonomia. The fact that your symptoms are triggered by eating could be related to the reflux or post-prandial hypotension.

I would recommend performing some tests to investigate the possible causes underlying your symptoms:
- Complete blood count for anemia
- Thyroid hormone levels for thyroid gland dysfunction
- A Head up Tilt test for orthostatic intolerance
- An ambulatory 24-48 hours ECG monitoring to investigate for possible cardiac arrhythmia
- Blood electrolytes for possible imbalance
- Cortisol plasma levels for possible adrenal gland dysfunction

You should discuss with your doctor on the above tests. Meanwhile, I recommend you to frequently monitor your blood pressure values, take a PPI (Omerprazole, Pantoprazole, etc.) and avoid large meals. Eating more frequently during the day in small portions can help avoid these episodes.

Hope you will find this answer helpful! Wishing you good health.

Regards,
Dr. Iliri Sharka
Cardiologist

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

Follow up: Dr. Ilir Sharka (21 minutes later)

Thank you for your help. I was tested about a year ago and told I do have anemia and try to take iron everyday— as well as low vitamin d. I also tend to have pretty low blood pressure and low body temp. I have taken omeprazol and many similar prescriptions for reflux— Pepcid helped the most but all caused other stomach discomfort and didn’t fix the problems. So I’m trying to find another way to help with reflux and heartburn. I will look into getting all of those tests done. Is this something you think I should do urgently?

Answered by Dr. Ilir Sharka (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
There is no need to go to the ER.

Detailed Answer:

Hello,

Thank you for the additional information! No, in my opinion your symptoms are not suggestive of any serious medical disorder.

These tests can wait till a consultation with your attending physician.

Anyway, a Head up tilt test would help investigate for dysautonomia and calm your anxiety.

Hope to have been helpful to you! Wishing you all the best.

Regards,
Dr. Iliri Sharka
Cardiologist

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

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