Hiatal Hernia = Chest Pain?

[downsizingdiva 459]

I have diagnosed myself with a hiatal hernia. I have all the symptoms but the one I'm most interested in is the radiating chest pain. I have had all the tests done to make sure I don't have any heart problems multiple times, and have been having these tests for the last 4 years. But just recently read that the chest pain could be the hernia. I just met with my doctor about it this week (before I read about the chest pain) and i fully intend on talking to my surgeon but my appointment is a month away. Just curious.

*****Has anyone who knows they have a hiatal hernia had the associated chest pain? If so can you describe?*****

If this is what it is, then this is the long awaited explanation for my chest pain. Thanks.

[BitterSweet* 835]

You'd have to clarify what you mean by chest pain. I have GERD and even if there is no reflux all the way up into the top of my esophagus and mouth, I have occasionaly felt dull twinges of what I'd call chest discomfort, but certainly not pain. Additionally, the pain is non-radiating, it's to the left of my sternum and always in that same area.

I do have a sliding hiatal hernia that is a moderate size. When it "slides" it feels like someone is choking the bottom of my esophagus. Lots of pressure, but no pain at all.

True cardiac chest pain is quite unmistakeable. We teach patients that if you can point to the pain in one spot, it's probably not your heart, because cardiac pain feels like an elephant is sitting on your chest. It is a crushing, acute pain that can not easily be brushed off as something else. Of course, there are degrees of chest pain, and further, women tend to have different symptomology than men. But, since you have been cleared of heart issues, here are some other things to think about.

A diseased gallbladder can cause this set of symptoms as well, especially because of the "radiating" quality of pain that you describe. If you still have your gallbladder, get your surgeon to check it out through an ultrasound. If you no longer have a gallbladder, pancreatitis can also cause those kinds of symptoms.

Of course I have no idea what is going on with you, just throwing some thoughts your way that you can speak to your surgeon about next month. Keep us posted and let us know how it turns out for you.

[downsizingdiva 459]

Ok! I should say that it IS in the same spot all the time and to the left of sternum. .always. By radiating I mean it sometimes stems to my arm slightly which I have read in numerous places that this is a symptom as well. I'm almost positive it is the hernia. Especially now. I will make all this known at my appointment. I guess my main point is that I was always afraid they were overlooking a heart condition...and hoping that if this is the hernia..this "discomfort" as I should have described it, will go away after it's fixed. Thanks!

[mttopma 17]

I also have a hiatal hernia. But my biggest complaint was the acid reflux, I have been on meds for 10 years for GERD. had the upper endoscopy last week found the large hernia which will be repaired during my surgery next week. Please mention to your Dr about your concern, you may need an endoscopy to determine if that is what it is so it can be repaired during your surgery. This way the Dr will know what is there and will have your consent. Good luck.

[downsizingdiva 459]

Ok great. I did ask him IF I had one would it be repaired. But honestly that was before I even thought that I might actually have one. But yes we will go over that in detail at my appointment. I'm approved but don't really know what else he may have me do before surgery. So do you have the chest discomfort like we were talking about above? Thanks!