What Causes Irregular Heart Beat In A Person With GERD?

Posted on Tue, 28 Apr 2015

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

Tue, 28 Apr 2015 Answered on

Mon, 18 May 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : Been battling reflux/GERD for months. Driving to work today had some weird sensations in my heart. Some irregular beating. No pain involved just a weird sensation or discomfort. Is this related to gerd/reflux or something else?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Klerida Shehu (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Cardiac tests advised to rule out heart problems first...

Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXXXXX

You are reporting to be suffering of GERD for several months now. Sometimes, GERD is associated with such weird sensations in heart as you felt them (we call them palpitations).

If I was your caring doctor, I want to make sure your heart is ok through the following cardiac tests:
- ECG
- echocardiogram
- holter monitoring

If everything is ok, then, GERD or stress might be the cause.

Hope it answered to your query!
Dr.Klerida

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Klerida Shehu (19 minutes later)

Had a holter monitor and ekg in december when i was having earlier symptoms of the reflux/GERD. Results came back negative

Answered by Dr. Dr. Klerida Shehu (21 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Then,your symptoms are due to GERD

Detailed Answer:
Hi back XXXXXXX

If the cardiac tests resulted negative, then, your symptoms are due to GERD.

To my opinion, you should:
- be careful with foods/drinks you consume
- take medications to treat GERD problems like PPIs, antacids

Let me know if you have further queries!
Dr.Klerida

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj