Abdominal Pain: Is It Related to Weight Loss or Heart Issues?

Stomach pain issues?

Dear Doctor,
I have a problem that has been bothering me for several months, and I would like to ask for your advice.
I started a weight loss regimen about two to three years ago, during which I typically ate only one meal a day.
As a result, I often felt extremely hungry at night, and sometimes I experienced cramping pain, similar to bloating, which would subside once I relieved it.
Recently, I have continued my weight loss efforts, but I have switched to eating smaller meals more frequently.
However, I have noticed a cramping sensation in the upper part of my stomach, near my heart.
This pain does not feel like typical stomach pain; rather, it feels as if someone is pinching my skin.
I can pinpoint the area of discomfort, but it tends to occur most often when I am hungry.
The pain seems to originate from the deepest layer of my skin and feels somewhat related to my stomach.
As soon as I eat enough to feel full, the symptoms significantly improve.

I am unsure if this could be classified as neuropathic pain or if it is related to my excessive dieting.
Should I consider getting an endoscopy? Additionally, I would like to ask about my grandmother, who has heart disease.
I have heard that she often experienced stomach discomfort when she was younger, and some people say this could be a sign of heart disease.
Is there any truth to this?
Thank you for your response.

Xiao You, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2005/10/03

Dr. Chen Shidian reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology

Hello, the symptoms you described are more indicative of a peptic ulcer or gastritis (stomach pain when fasting) rather than heart disease.
If the symptoms do not improve, consider visiting a cardiologist.
Wishing you all the best.

Reply Date: 2005/10/03

More Info

Dear Patient,
Thank you for reaching out with your concerns regarding your abdominal pain and its potential relationship to weight loss and heart issues. It’s understandable to feel anxious about these symptoms, especially given your family history of heart disease. Let’s break down your concerns and explore the possible connections.

Firstly, the pain you describe in the upper abdomen, particularly near the heart, could be related to several factors. Your history of dieting and eating habits, such as consuming one meal a day and now shifting to smaller, more frequent meals, can significantly impact your gastrointestinal health. When you eat infrequently, your stomach may produce excess acid, leading to discomfort, bloating, or even pain. This discomfort can sometimes feel like a tightness or pressure, which might be what you are experiencing.

The sensation of pain that feels like someone is squeezing your skin could be indicative of a few things. It might be related to gastritis, which is inflammation of the stomach lining, or even functional dyspepsia, where the stomach does not function properly, leading to pain and discomfort. Additionally, if you are experiencing this pain primarily when you are hungry, it could be a sign that your stomach is reacting to the absence of food, which can lead to increased acid production and discomfort.

Regarding your concern about whether this pain could be related to heart issues, it is important to note that while gastrointestinal symptoms can sometimes mimic heart problems, they are not necessarily indicative of cardiac issues. However, given your family history of heart disease, it is prudent to be vigilant. Heart-related pain typically presents as a pressure or squeezing sensation in the chest, often accompanied by other symptoms such as shortness of breath, sweating, or radiating pain to the arms or jaw. Since you mentioned that the pain lessens after eating, it is more likely related to your digestive system rather than your heart.

That said, your concern about your grandmother's history of heart disease and her gastrointestinal discomfort is valid. There is some evidence suggesting that gastrointestinal symptoms can sometimes precede or accompany heart issues, particularly in women. However, this does not mean that everyone with digestive symptoms has a heart problem. It is essential to evaluate each case individually.

As for your question about whether you should undergo an endoscopy (gastroscopy), it may be beneficial, especially if your symptoms persist or worsen. An endoscopy can help visualize the upper gastrointestinal tract and identify any abnormalities such as ulcers, gastritis, or other conditions that may be causing your symptoms. It is always better to err on the side of caution, especially when it comes to your health.

In conclusion, while your symptoms may not directly indicate a heart issue, they are certainly worth investigating further, especially given your dietary habits and family history. I recommend scheduling an appointment with a healthcare provider who can perform a thorough evaluation, including a physical examination and possibly some diagnostic tests, to rule out any serious conditions. Additionally, consider discussing your eating habits with a nutritionist who can help you develop a balanced diet that supports your health and well-being.

Take care, and I hope you find relief from your symptoms soon.

Best regards.

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