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Gastroenterology  (Expert Forum)
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acid reflux and pvc's
This forum is for questions regarding Gastroenterology issues such as Acid Reflux (GERD), Barretts Esophagus, Colitis, Colon/Bowel Disorders, Crohn's Disease, Diverticulitis/Diverticulosis, Digestive Disorders, IBS, Stomach Pain.
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MedHelp Member's Question

acid reflux and pvc's

by William, Oct 16, 1999 12:00AM
I am 31 years old, male, I experience pvc's usually after eating. I have chronic heartburn, but not severe, rarely wakes me at night, but have been awakened from aspirating acid and not being able to breath (very scary) thankfully this is very rare (1 or 2 times in the last 3 years). I have had an upper GI series and am awaiting the results about possible hiatal hernia.  However, my question is, What is the connection between acid reflux and PVC's. I've asked my doctor this question a couple of times with no details of why.  Your input would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.
Doctor's Answer

by HFHSm.D.-Gastro-rf, Oct 29, 1999 12:00AM
Dedar William, Medical literature does not report a significant association between reflux and irregularities of heart rate.  If you review our archives, however, you will find many reports of patients with cardiac arrythmias and reflux who report an improvement in the heart problem with agressive treratment of the reflux.  It should be noted that there is  wide array of cardiac arrythmias reported in the archives and there are proposed different mechanisms for the various problems.  On balance, however, you should talk to your doctor about medical therapy for the reflux.  It should not make your heart problem worse (assuming that you do not have other illnesses) and may make it better.
Member Comments (54)

by Eric, Oct 17, 1999 12:00AM


I can tell you that after I eat mine get worse. I am awaken at least 3 times a week from acid burning in my throat, after I awake an sit up the burning subsides. I then run to the medicine cabinet and pop a Previcid.



I also get a bunch of other weird symptoms, Chest Pain, Burning, down the arm more left than right, Pain in left leg, neck, Throat feels like lump or even tight sometimes, ears burning, headaches and ringing ears. My left cheek from my jaw line to up to my eye feels numb and bruised sometimes.



I have terrible sinus drainage and have a soar throat and cough.



I have had all these symptoms and more for 2 years now, Seen dozens of docs, had a full cardiac workup by a cardiologist, had ultrasounds of the chest and abdomen, been to the ER in the past 2 years at least a dozen times thining I was having a heart attack, everything checked out fine.



So here I sit, with anxiety and I had a whopping Panic Attack the other day when I drove myself to the ER again (was released with everything ok again).



I wish a doctor existed out their that could really help me, but I feel that I may never find on!



PVC's are normal, I get many a day and the cardiologist said they are harmless.



Whats really strange about my symptoms, they are present in the am (very little) and grow steadily worse until they peak right after lunch up to about 4 0r 5 pm, then after sundown, say around 8pm I feel almost wonderful, just with a few underlying symptoms.



Well, don't worry... you'll be alright!





Eric...

***@****

by EJ, Oct 21, 1999 12:00AM
I GET ACIDS IN MY THROAT FROM THE LEAST I EAT OR DRINK THIS HAS BEEN GOING ON FOR A WHILE NOW.PLEASE GIVE ME SOME GUIDANCE AND MANY THANKS FOR YOUR TIME.{EJ}

by Erik, Oct 21, 1999 12:00AM
You are 100% right about there being a connection between acid reflux and PVC'S. I am also 31 years old and have had two Hiatal Hernia surgeries. I have PVC's all the time. They are worse when my reflux gets worse. They are better when my stomach feels normal. I have a lot of scar tissue from the surgeries which I feel is making my PVC's worse at times.I am being evaluated again by a Gastroenterologist. All Cardiac tests have been normal. Doctor's need to research the link between the esophagus and PVC's. This problem exists and needs to be looked into. Please feel free to contact me by e-mail to discuss.



   Erik  email-  ***@****

by Eric, Oct 22, 1999 12:00AM
Hi,



My opinion after suffering from GERD for 2 years now is that I feel the connection between the PVC's and GERD or the esophagus is the Vagus nerve!



I have had many strange symptoms from GERD like Pain in the Chest, Arms, Legs, Neck, Head (back of neck) and also a numb/bruised feeling on my face around the cheeks. Most symptoms always after meals and can change when sitting and when standing almost imediately. I feel very strongly that there is a nerve connection between this and PVC's and other symptoms as well.



Doctors will not recognize this because its not 'TEXT BOOK', if they did'nt read it in a medical journal or learn it in medical school then its just plain out voodoo and not valid!!!



This is where the change must begin, Doctors need to learn that not all symptoms will follow the Medical Book Step by Step Guide! The human body is a very complex bio/electric organisim and each mind and soul adds a customized set of unique characteristics!!!



Eric

***@****

by Petula, Oct 23, 1999 12:00AM
I came across your post searching for similar connections.

I have had pvc's very bad for like ten years, and paroxysmal tachycardia.

This past week something is wrong with my stomach (actually, I've had chronic nausea and vomitting for two years, no clue why, doctor just passes it off as "anxiety" but I am sick every day and not under much stress). I went to the ER, and they just said must be the stomach flu, I'd thrown up dozens of times. Severe stomach pain, and could feel loops of intestine too. Also, no diarrhea, totally constipated. Anyway what was weird was since then, after I eat I have massive PVC's, and tachycardia? Taking maalox, it feels like the PVC's come when the food is moving through the middle of my intestines? I can feel it move there because it is so tender.

Also, every time I eat I throw up, so I haven't eaten since Wednesday.

Have to wait until monday to see doctor again. Now I KNOW there is a connection with my arrhythmia and my stomach. Wouldn't have believed it before.

Probably it is triggering my vagus nerve? Oh, and my blood pressure is dropping dramatically with these episodes. Very strange. Can anyone comment more on this thread?

by Petula, Oct 23, 1999 12:00AM
One more thing, I think the reflux triggers the vagus nerve, or other stomach conditions can do the same, trigger the vagus nerve. Someone in my family has a vagus nerve/stomach condition, she has IBS and sometimes faints when she has a painful attack.

by Erik, Oct 25, 1999 12:00AM
Petula-



Yes, the vagus nerve does have a lot to do with the stomach and the heart. And stimulating the vagus nerve can cause the pvc's. It sounds like you have some other underlying condition that is causing the stomach problems. If you have not been worked up by a cardiologist and a Gastroenterologist, then do so. If you have then you might benefit from seeing a Psychiatrist as a lot of this may be anxiety. Believe me, because I've had it. IT caused me a lot of problems. Since I have been taking prozac and xanax, my symptoms have been much better. You may also benefit from taking a beta blocker which will slow your heart and keep it regular. Ask your doctor about these medicatons. I still have pvc's but they're not as bad. Best of luck to you.