Can A Pacemaker Cause Heartburn?

Posted on Sat, 23 Jul 2016

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Sat, 23 Jul 2016 Answered on

Sat, 13 Aug 2016 Last reviewed on

Question : can a pacemaker cause heartburn?

Answered by Dr. Ronald Schubert (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Heart burn

Detailed Answer:
Thank you for contacting HCM with your health care concerns

You are concerned that a pacemaker could cause heart burn. No they can't. Heart burn is caused from acid getting into the esophagus causing a chemical acid burn. The pacemaker is completely separated from the esophagus and within the blood vessels and chambers of your heart. The amount of electric current is also way too small to effect the muscles of the esophagus.

I hope I answered your question. Please contact us again if you have any additional questions

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

Follow up: Dr. Ronald Schubert (9 minutes later)

Before I received the pacemaker (2013), I had one incidence of heartburn which caused me to faint. I used to faint once or twice a year and they called it vasovagal
syncope. I had many Holter monitor occurrences, but nothing was found until 2013 when the hospital noticed a missing beat. I was tested and found to have sick sinus syndrome ... hence the pacemaker. Now I have heartburn several times a month. I believe it is due to the pacemaker.

Answered by Dr. Ronald Schubert (1 minute later)

Brief Answer:
Heart burn

Detailed Answer:
I can't see why the pacemaker would cause your heart burn. If have gained weight since you had the pacemaker inserted or on different medication these are more likely the cause.

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