GERD Symptoms After Exercise?

DOCTOR'S VIEWS ARCHIVE

Topic: Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), June 2000

Dr. Lee:
A viewer experiences heartburn and chest discomfort after exercise. This viewer wants to know whether his symptoms could be a warning for heart condition rather than GERD. What is your opinion on that?

Dr. Marks:
Vigorous exercise can aggravate acid reflux. However it is important to remember that exercise also causes heart pain (angina). All too often, pain in the chest following exertion is described as "heartburn" when it is really angina. Anyone with chest discomfort during or after exercising, even if it feels like heartburn, should be evaluated for heart problems.

Dr. Lee:
Yes, I have to second that point. Every year I will have 2 or 3 patients coming into my office seeking relieve from heartburn. I will refer them to a cardiologist first because I am concerned that their symptoms could be angina (warning signals for impending heart attacks). Some of them actually did turn out to have diseases in their coronary (heart) arteries, and their heartburn actually represented angina. It is gratifying to have have them come back years later, thanking me for sending them to the cardiologists rather than just treating them for GERD.

Thus not all "heartburn" is due to GERD. Again, accurate diagnosis is the key.

Dr. Marks:
I am sure that your experience is very similar to other gastroenterologists.

Dr. Lee:
Especially if the symptoms are related to exertion or the symptoms do not seem to go away with maximal acid suppressant therapy.

The published answers represent the opinions and perspectives of the doctors and pharmacists of MedicineNet.com and are for educational purposes only. They should not be used to replace or substitute for timely consultation with your doctor. Accuracy of information cannot be guaranteed.

Please remember, information can be subject to interpretation and can become obsolete.

Back to Doctors' Dialogue Index