Hi there, for the last week or so I have been experiencing chest pain on the left side, tonight the pain is going down my arm and pain in my back and up my neck. Lately I have also been experiencing heartburn, and bloating as well. Is it possible this could all be related? Or should I worry about heart attack? I am 40, and a smoker.
Thanks for your question on Chat Doctor. In my opinion you are having HERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease) mostly but better to rule out cardiac cause first. So get done ECG. If ECG is normal than no need to worry much for cardiac cause. Your symptoms like heart burn and bloating are mostly due to HERD. It is because of laxity of gastroesophageal sphincter. Due to this the acid of the stomach tends to come up in the esophagus and cause the symptoms of heart burn. Gaseous distension can cause bloating. So try to follow these steps for better symptomatic relief.1. Avoid hot and spicy food.2. Avoid stress and tension.3. Avoid large meals, instead take frequent small meals.4. Start proton pump inhibitor.5. Go for walk after meals.6. Keep 2-3 pillows under head in bed to prevent acid reflux.