Understanding the Connection Between GERD and PVCs
A 29-year-old woman weighing 180 pounds and standing 5'7" has been prescribed 50 mg of metoprolol to manage symptoms of anxiety. Since early 2023, she has been experiencing sensations of "skipped heartbeats," which intermittently occur for weeks at a time and then vanish for several months. Recently, she has been dealing with this peculiar "hiccup" feeling in her chest for five consecutive days, noting that it frequently coincides with episodes of acid reflux or indigestion. Given her diagnosis of IBS and GERD, she is curious whether there might be a link between her gastrointestinal issues and these heart sensations, especially since they seem to worsen when she lies on her left side during the night.
Answers (1)
8/28/2025, 2:42:47 AM
OpenHealth AI
It’s understandable to feel concerned about the connection between your digestive issues and the sensations of skipped heartbeats. Both gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and premature ventricular contractions (PVCs) can sometimes be related, and it is important to approach this comprehensively.
Main Points:
- There may indeed be a connection between your GERD and the sensation of skipped heartbeats, particularly when lying on your left side, as this position can increase pressure on the stomach and esophagus.
- PVCs can be triggered by various factors, including anxiety, reflux, and even dietary components associated with IBS.
Explanation: GERD occurs when stomach acid flows back into the esophagus, which can lead to symptoms like heartburn and regurgitation, and may also cause irritation that affects the heart rhythm. The sensation of skipped beats could be PVCs, where the heart momentarily skips a beat due to an extra heartbeat. Stress, anxiety, and digestive issues can all exacerbate this sensation.
Next Steps:
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Symptom Diary: Keep track of your heart sensations, including when they occur, duration, and any related activities like eating, lying down, or stressful events. This will help identify triggers.
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Posture Adjustments: When lying down, try elevating your upper body with pillows to relieve pressure on your stomach, and consider sleeping on your right side, which may help with reflux.
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Dietary Considerations: Monitor your diet for foods that might worsen GERD (e.g., spicy foods, caffeine, alcohol) and note if there’s a correlation between your food intake and heart sensations.
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Anxiety Management: Since you are on metoprolol for anxiety, consider integrating stress-reduction techniques, such as mindfulness or breathing exercises, which can potentially lessen both anxiety and heart sensations.
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Hydration and Small Meals: Stay well-hydrated and consider smaller, more frequent meals to minimize stomach pressure and reflux.
If these sensations persist, become more frequent, or if you develop new symptoms (like chest pain or shortness of breath), it’s important to seek further evaluation. Prioritizing these actions can help you gain insights into the connection between your symptoms and make you feel more in control of your health.
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