|  | Conditions Treatments | Heartburn GERD

Does Acid Reflux Cause the Heart to Flutter?

Acid reflux, sometimes known as heartburn, will be experienced by most people at some point in their lives. Acid reflux causes a number of symptoms, but does not cause the heart to feel as though it is fluttering. If you experience acid reflux and heart flutters at the same time it may be symptomatic of a more serious condition.

  1. Acid Reflux

    • Acid reflux occurs when the acids of the stomach flow back into the esophagus. The term reflux refers to this flowing back. This occurs when the esophageal sphincter, which allows substances into the stomach through the esophagus, cannot close properly. This can happen because of eating large meals, lying down within two or three hours after eating and eating greasy foods.

    Symptoms

    • The primary symptom of acid reflux is a burning sensation in the esophagus, usually around the area of the heart, leading to the description "heartburn." Acid reflux also causes shortness of breath, hoarseness, a sore throat and extreme salivation. In some cases, it brings digested food back into the mouth. Acid reflux does not cause heart flutters.

    Heart Flutters

    • A fluttering heart, also called atrial fibrillation, occurs when the chambers of the heart pump irregularly. This happens for a number of reasons, including an overactive thyroid gland, congestive heart failure and high blood pressure.

    Heart Disease

    • Coronary artery disease is a serious condition in which the arteries that bring blood to the heart begin to narrow. If left untreated, coronary artery disease can starve the heart of oxygen and can lead to heart failure. Heart flutters can be a symptom of coronary heart disease, which also causes chest pain, also called angina. Web MD states that angina is often mistaken for acid reflux. What appears to be acid reflux and heart flutters may be symptoms of coronary heart failure instead.

    Considerations

    • You should contact your doctor if you experience heart flutters. Heart flutters may be indicative of a more serious heart condition, especially when they occur with angina, which can be mistaken for acid reflux. If you find that symptoms of acid reflux last for more than three days in a row you should contact your doctor.

Heartburn GERD - Related Articles