Can stomach issues cause chest pain?

Question

Hi doctor,

I am only 40 years old, and there is a strong family history of heart disease. I had a CT angiogram done, and the results show intermediate or high obstruction of the obtuse marginal artery, with mild positive atheroma in the ostium. I take Inderal 40 mg twice a day for palpitations, along with medication for anxiety. I was given a GTN spray. My blood work shows cholesterol levels at 6.6 mmol/L, triglycerides at 1.0 mmol/L, HDL at 1.0 mmol/L, and LDL at 5.1 mmol/L, with gamma GT at 98 U/L.

The CT conclusion indicated mild proximal intermediate atheroma. I have no idea what this all means or what "OM" refers to. I experience pain in my chest, jaw, and left arm. My doctor mentioned that this could be related to the GERD I suffer from. I am constantly going to the ER.

Can this be fixed?

Kindly advise.

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

Well, keeping in mind the strong family history of heart disease, any chest pain can mimic heart-related pain. However, this may or may not be related to the heart. The OM (obtuse marginal artery) is a small branch of the main arteries that supply blood to the heart's muscle. The OM is not one of the major arteries of the heart; blockages in the major arteries pose a greater risk than those in smaller branches.

Atheroma refers to a buildup that blocks a blood vessel, formed by fatty deposits and associated with other factors as well. It obstructs the flow of blood through the heart's vessels. If your doctor, after reviewing the angiography reports, suggested that you might be suffering from GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease) and that your symptoms could be related to that stomach issue, it indicates they believe there is not a significant blockage in the blood supply to the heart muscle.

In this case, I recommend seeking a second opinion from a cardiologist, who can either confirm what the previous physician indicated or possibly arrive at a different conclusion.

A thorough physical examination and a closer look at the laboratory reports, along with further investigations if necessary, are essential.

Yes, this can be addressed once a final decision is made on whether you need a cardiologist or a gastroenterologist to manage the issue. If it is GERD, the gastroenterologist would be the next specialist to consult and handle it accordingly. This would take the management in a different direction.

I hope this helps.

Thank you.