Gastrocardiac Syndrome: How Digestive Issues Can Affect Your Heart

Can acid reflux in your stomach impact the heart rate? This might sound strange at first, but it is possible. The human body is a complex system of interlinked organs, and complications in one part can also disrupt other parts. When the symptoms of stomach and heart issues prevail simultaneously, they are coined as ‘Gastrocardiac Syndrome’. This blog details this condition’s causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and management.

How does gastrocardiac syndrome work?

Also known as the Roemheld syndrome, the concept was first introduced by Ludwig von Roemheld. He was the first researcher to explore how stomach and heart health correlate. For example, a patient might report gastrointestinal reflux at the same time as a low heart rate (arrhythmia). But how does this happen? Our heart and stomach are situated in contiguity. Although the stomach lies below the diaphragm, it connects with the heart through the esophagus. Sometimes, medical experts use this positioning of the tube to view the heart more clearly.

Furthermore, the other essential pathway connecting the stomach and heart is our nerve system. Particularly, the vagus nerve is involved in heart and digestive tract sensory processes. Hence, increasing the chances of gastric cardiac syndrome. Also, it facilitates movement throughout the body. Therefore, regulating the heart’s pace as well as the contractions that help in food digestion.

What Causes It?

Every person has different causes for this syndrome. In many cases, the primary driving factor of gastrocardiac syndrome has been persistent inflammation in the stomach. Due to this, there is excessive gas buildup and bloating that eventually leads to stimulated heart muscles. Moreover, it can also alert the vagus nerve to signal the brain and reduce heart activity, causing arrhythmia.

Apart from this, when some patients regularly take medicine for stomach issues, it can impose side effects on the heart and vice versa. In others, it may be a symptom of using proton pump inhibitors. Other pathologies known to cause gastrocardiac syndrome are lactose intolerance, hiatal hernia, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), bowel obstruction, gallbladder dysfunction, and pancreatic necrosis.

Symptoms of gastrocardiac syndrome

During this condition, people undergo symptoms related to both the heart and the stomach. Often, the problem roots in the stomach and later affects the heart. Though it can be confused with other conditions, a comprehensive analysis helps in proper diagnosis. Generally, the symptoms vary based on the condition’s severity level and cause. However, the most common ones include:

• Acid reflux and bloating
• Nausea
• Chest pain
• Irregular heartbeat (tachycardia and arrhythmia)
• Depression, anxiety, and panic attacks
• Palpitations and sweating
• Dizziness and fatigue
• Shortness of breath
• Fluctuating blood pressure
• Heartburn

Case studies

The following examples are real-life cases that affirm the connection between gastrointestinal disorders and cardiac symptoms:

Case 1

A 62-year-old woman complained about heart palpitations which were worsening with time. Along with that, she reported shortness of breath and dizziness. Importantly, she noticed that her symptoms escalated with food intake. To rule out other conditions, she underwent a cardiovascular exam which appeared normal except for arrhythmia. Moreover, she had a history of GERD and hernia, and her ultrasounds approved it. Once the doctors treated her hernia, she reported that her arrhythmia and palpitations resolved completely.

Case 2

In another study, a woman complained of symptoms that matched Roemheld syndrome. She suffered from gastric distension and dizziness. Consequently, these led to extreme sinus bradycardia. Upon resolving the gastric distension, her cardiac issues eventually subsided.

How to diagnose it?

It is common to misdiagnose gastrocardiac syndrome as the symptoms synch with many other health problems. This is why early imaging is the key to efficient health maintenance. Commonly, the first step in diagnosing the condition is to rule out any other cardiac problems. For this, you are advised to undergo scans like cardiac CT, cardiac MRI, ECG, AI-supported cardiac exams, and other laboratory tests.

Later, when heart issues are absent, the medical professionals may advise other diagnostic tests for the gut. These might include abdominal ultrasound, colonoscopy, and endoscopy.

How to cure gastrocardiac syndrome?

Although there is no single go-to treatment for it, the symptoms can be managed with the following medicines:

• Firstly, for people suffering from high blood pressure due to gastric cardiac syndrome, supplements containing magnesium or anticholinergics can be used.
• Secondly, to regulate the nervous system, anticonvulsants can assist in controlling vagus nerve and gastrointestinal tract motility.
• Thirdly, for symptoms of acidity and bloating, medicines that regulate gas buildup are fruitful. They help lower stomach pressure, enhance motility, and control heart rate, respectively. In this group, Simethicone is highly preferred.
• Lastly, antacids can prevent the reflux of acid.

Prevention and management

Gas accumulation in the gastrointestinal tract is lowered by adopting a healthier lifestyle and cutting out on certain habits.

Lifestyle

Incorporate physical activity into your daily routine. It not only helps the heart but also maintains overall wellness. Avoid alcohol, drugs, and smoking, as they are all detrimental to gut and heart health. Also, keep yourself hydrated because it aids in smooth digestion and reduces stomach discomfort.

Diet

Gastrocardiac syndrome is better managed with a few modifications in the diet. Patients are often encouraged to avoid carbonated drinks, fried, fatty, and too much junk food. These are more difficult to digest and may slow stomach emptying, resulting in elevated gas production. Additionally, instead of overconsuming large meals, divide small, frequent meals throughout the day. Moreover, probiotics in the diet can enhance gut health and alleviate symptoms of roemheld syndrome. Examples of fermented foods rich in probiotics are yogurt and kefir.

Early diagnosis

Remember, early diagnosis is essential in avoiding severe and chronic conditions. Regular visits at the imaging center keep you updated with any changes in the body, helping you tailor treatments accordingly. Therefore, if you suspect gastrocardiac syndrome, contact a diagnostic center and get it sorted at the earliest.

Summary

To conclude, gastrocardiac syndrome is a health condition that stimulates symptoms in the stomach and heart consecutively. For example, bloating in the stomach may give rise to an irregulated heart rate. For a successful diagnosis, it is important to rule out other heart-related health concerns. Therefore, the doctors may advise cardiac scans firsthand. Later, they may perform an ultrasound to locate the exact gut issue. The key to proper management of the disease is early diagnosis.