Doctor’s urgent warning over little known heart attack sign | UK | News
You may think that bloating, mild nausea, or a burning sensation in your stomach is nothing more than a minor digestive issue, but a leading gastroenterologist warns that these everyday symptoms can sometimes be a signal of something much more serious. What makes this especially difficult is that the discomfort often mimics ordinary indigestion, leaving even experienced doctors at risk of completely missing warning signs of something else.
Common digestive problems such as bloating, nausea or a burning sensation in the upper stomach can sometimes be an early sign of heart disease rather than simple indigestion, the expert said. The confusion occurs because the nerves that transmit sensations from the heart overlap with the nerves in the upper digestive tract.
As a result, Dr. Robert A Ganz explained that heart-related pain can feel a lot like stomach upset.
He said: “Mid-upper stomach upset and indigestion: It’s very likely to be GI related. It could be an ulcer, it could be reflux, but it could definitely be heart related. So be careful.”
In a video posted on his own account TikTok accountDr. Ganz shared an early career experience as an intern at the University of Illinois. He remembered a senior cardiologist he worked with who often complained of indigestion.
Tragically, the cardiologist later died of a heart attack. He said “stomach problems” are actually warning signs of heart disease.
Years later, Dr. Ganz encountered a similar scenario with a spine surgeon who regularly took antacids for an upper stomach upset.
Symptoms most often occurred during physical activity, such as climbing stairs or carrying heavy loads. Noticing the warning signs, Dr Ganz ordered urgent testing.
A few days later, the surgeon suffered a heart attack in the operating room but survived thanks to emergency medical attention.
Dr Robert A Ganz is a highly respected gastroenterologist and Associate Professor of Medicine at the University of Minnesota.
He studied at the University of Illinois and Northwestern University and has extensive experience in digestive health, particularly gastroesophageal reflux disease, Barrett’s esophagus, and esophageal cancer.
Dr Ganz is a recognized leader in medical research and innovation; He holds multiple patents and has pioneered treatments such as balloon-based radiofrequency ablation for Barrett’s esophagus.
