A patient’s story
David, a 51 year old professional, developed repeated central chest discomfort after meals. Heart tests were normal, yet symptoms persisted.
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A gastroenterology review identified acid reflux and oesophageal sensitivity as the cause, not his heart.
Can chest pain come from the digestive system?
Yes. Non-cardiac chest pain refers to chest pain not caused by the heart. Digestive conditions often irritate the oesophagus, which shares nerve pathways with the chest.
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As a result, pain can feel alarming and intense.
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However, cardiac causes must always be excluded first.
When is chest pain an emergency?
Seek urgent medical help if you have:
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Chest tightness
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Shortness of breath
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Pain spreading to the arm, jaw, or back
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Pain that does not ease within minutes
Call 999 immediately if these occur.
Signs chest pain may be digestive
Digestive chest pain often:
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Occurs after eating
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Worsens during meals
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Appears with gut symptoms
Associated symptoms include heartburn, belching, bloating, nausea, hoarseness, and swallowing difficulty.
Common digestive causes
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Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD)
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Acid reflux and indigestion
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Functional dyspepsia
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Irritable bowel syndrome
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Oesophageal spasm or achalasia
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Hiatal hernia
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Gallbladder disease
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Peptic ulcers
How we investigate chest pain
After cardiac causes are ruled out, tests may include:
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Gastroscopy
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Barium swallow
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pH monitoring
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Oesophageal manometry
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Laryngoscopy, when throat symptoms exist
Treatment approach
Treatment depends on the cause and may include:
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Diet and lifestyle changes
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Acid suppression
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Motility or neuromodulator therapy
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Targeted procedures, when appropriate
Chest Pain With Normal Heart Tests?
Ongoing chest discomfort may come from your digestive system.
Our gastroenterologists provide rapid assessment and targeted treatment.