Relationship of Acid Reflux & Heart Disease
Acid reflux and heart disease have a convoluted relationship. Symptoms of a heart attack are often masked by or mistaken for acid reflux, while acid reflux is sometimes caused by medications taken for heart disease.
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Similar Symptoms
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Symptoms of a heart attack are often similar to those of acid reflux, especially in women. If you have acid reflux and experience a sudden, severe burning or pain in the chest, do not assume that the pain is acid reflux. Be evaluated by a physician to rule out heart attack or heart disease.
Symptoms of Acid Reflux
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The symptoms of acid reflux include ongoing heartburn, pain in the esophagus or near the breastbone, and pain that radiates to the neck or throat.
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Symptoms of a Heart Attack
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The symptoms of a heart attack include chest discomfort, pressure or pain; shortness of breath; pain or discomfort in the arms shoulder, neck or back; nausea; dizziness; sweating; and light-headedness.
Relationship Between Drugs for Heart Disease and Acid Reflux
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To further complicate matters, medications prescribed for heart and cardiovascular disease often can result in acid reflux. If you take medications for these conditions and begin to experience acid reflux, talk to your physician about how to treat your acid reflux.
Medications That Can Cause Acid Reflux
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Calcium channel blockers, which are taken for high blood pressure, can cause acid reflux. These medications include Norvasc, Cleviprex and Cardizem.
Beta blockers taken for heart disease have also been linked to acid reflux. These medications include Bystolic, Coreg and Levatol.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of Thomas
