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Minerva Cardioangiologica 2001 June;49(3):197-210

Copyright © 2001 EDIZIONI MINERVA MEDICA

language: Italian

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease and chest pain

Pellicano R., Oliaro E., Berrutti M., Ponzetto A., Rizzetto M.

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is highly prevalent in the general population.
Heartburn and acid regurgitation are considered the ''typical'' presentation of GERD, that however might represent a major pathogenic mechanism in patients with chest pain without coronary artery disease. Chest pain in this instance is often successfully treated with high-dose antisecretory drugs, but the pathogenetic mechanism remains unclear. Further research is needed to clarify the role of GERD on the pathogenesis of chest pain and to ascertain whether a medical or surgical anti-secretory treatment could represent a possible approach.
Patients with non-cardiac chest pain of unknown origin should be carefully screened for the occurrence of GERD.