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Seems am definitely not alone ..

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Abuabu
Abuabu

massively interesting thread discussing relationship between Hiatul Hernias and heart palpitations. Diagnosed with a HH some 15 years ago I underwent a Nissen Fundoplication and more recently I have suffered a heart attack (unbeknown to me until scan revealed heart muscle damage) and have been stented so as you would expect I am under the care of a cardiologist. Several spells of intense pain and palpatations have seem me visit A&E on a few occasions and of course my cardiac history ensures I am pretty fully tested. Each time conclusion is that I have suffered a severe gastric spasm but little tangible comment is offered about the palpitations apart from generalisms that they could be result of me being stressed. Matters have culminated in me having a third Angiogram recently to explore the cause of my frequent extreme discomfort.

  Like many contributors if I dare to ask if the HH flare up could be triggering the palps I am told this is very unlikely. I have every respect for my cardiologist but he too resists any connection to a point where I feel I am out of court even mentioning a link. Imagine therefore how amazed I am to have found this thread and so many people with near identical stories and affected lifestyles. 

Been a challenge but I am being referred back to Gastroenterology where I am going to push for correctional surgery on the HH. Would really like to know is there anybody out there who has had this Op and if indeed the heart palps /discomfort improved/ceased? For those reading this my symptoms can include spells of severe body shakes(shivering) cold hands/feet, lump in the throat, and severe pain in sternum area radiating into right side of chest. I rarely feel things are triggered by foodstuffs but am sure certain movements can trigger an attack.e.g. Twisting my torso. I have been shy of doing much exercising worried may aggravate and therefore very interested in fact this has helped some. In an effort to self help I will try the exercises described. I do find eating smaller meals helps and whilst I did lose 16 kilos after initial surgery I am now determined to lose more. 5 ft 10in I am now 93 kgs and target getting to around 85. People may be we need to form some sort of Facebook group or similar to try and build momentum to encourage the medics to investigate this possible link much more? Not sure how you go about this as I am not overly IT smart. Any offers? 

2 likes, 23 replies

23 Replies

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  • ruth57068
    ruth57068 Abuabu

    Posted

    Although I did not experience any heart palps , I did initially have pain on my left side- so went to see my doctor about it.   He knew that I had a hiatal hernia, so sent me for some tests, which determined that my hernia was very large and needed surgery.   Surgery was done on Dec. 22nd.   I am better; however, stomach still gives me problems at times.    Probably won't feel 100% for at least 6 months, or so my surgeon told me.   Just eat small amounts of food- plus drink BOOST every day.
    • kimberly84056
      kimberly84056 ruth57068

      Posted

      Wow...So you did have the surgery. Was it worth it?? Was it a difficult surgery?? Everyone seems to want to know if surgery will rectify these aweful palpitations that comes along with the HH. My HH is 2cm. Not large but still effecting me in an adverse way. You stated that you never did have the palps. Good for you! So you still have to eat small meals? I've started taking vitamins (liquid if possible) to help with absorption of critical minerals & vitamins on a daily basis. Thank you for sharing your experience.
  • Barretts
    Barretts Abuabu

    Posted

    If you had Nissen fundoplication, you will have had your hiatus hernia repaired at the same time. It is a necessary preliminary part of the operation, bringing the stomach back into the abdomen and retrieving sufficient oesophagus to apply the wrap to.

    So it makes no sense to say your heart problems are due to a hiatus hernia which you'll no longer have.

    • Abuabu
      Abuabu Barretts

      Posted

      Sorry but you have misunderstood. I had Nissen Fundoplication in 2001 and was problem free for years but I most defiantly now have another hiatal hernia issue. Been told the Nissen Fundolpication can ' reverse ' over time but am unsure if this is it or whether I have a second hernia? I'll clarify when I get to the Gastro appointment. 
    • Barretts
      Barretts Abuabu

      Posted

      A Nissen wrap can loosen. A hernia could't occur unless that happened - but the hiatus (hole in diaphragm) would also need to have enlarged after being previously repaired. But why are you so sure you have another hiatus hernia? What tests have you had done?

      If your wrap is indeed loose, if you have revision surgery, a Collis procedure will effectively extend the oesophagus to provide a better wrap.

    • kimberly84056
      kimberly84056 Barretts

      Posted

      Wow! Are you a doctor?? You have a lot of knowledge with these procedures. I'm learning and getting a lot of information from your discussions with others on this blog. Thank you! I'm looking to have surgery on my HH. It is 2cm. Do you think that is too small for surgery?
    • Abuabu
      Abuabu Barretts

      Posted

      Sorry but definitely told have a hernia after firstly undergoing Barium swallow and then an Endoscopy which also revealed an Esophageal Diverticulum.

      Your knowledge is clearly more extensive and technical than mine and thanks for commentary as is helping prepare and ensure I get best value when I do get to have a follow up appointment with the local gastro team. Do you feel there is a surgery option as life is very restricted and dread repeats of the gastric spasms and palpitations which as said sure do worsen? 

    • andrea35441
      andrea35441 Abuabu

      Posted

      I have been told that the nissan does not hold.....the dr. said they would not warranty it. In addition, they said that symptoms don't always resolve from the procedure. Yet, some on this sight have found amazing relief from the procedure.

      So, not to lose faith. The palpitations are unnerving to say the least. I am starting to do research on food allergies/intolerances that create heart palpitations. I have started to keep a diet journal. Banana chips trigger, as does chocolate and caffeine and some food additives. I ran this past my pharmacist who seems to be more receptive to engaging in discussions of this nature(doctors should but seem to rush you out of the office....like a deli)  She agreed that the things I mentioned could cause heart palps.

      So, if food irritates the HH, doesn't it make sense that spasms could occur and trigger heart palps? This is limiting to life style and food choices. It is depressing but as my 87 year old Dad says, as time goes by you have to sometimes get used to a new norm. The main goal is feeling well. So, I am going to try to stay away from the things that seem to trigger. Yet, I know I will fall off the wagon and succumb to chocolate occasionally. I will try not to do this that often.

      Keep the faith....and believe things will get better.

       

    • Abuabu
      Abuabu andrea35441

      Posted

      Thank you. Already monitoring triggers and certainly caffeine doesn't seem to do me any favours. I also am a major believer in smaller portion sizes at mealtimes and following up with cheeseboard is a thing of the past. What is also very limiting is not knowing what physical movements if any have an adverse effect. Remember before HH was diagnosed trying to loosen a wheel nut with a brace and experiencing excruciating pain and again when tried playing golf. With the latter after a heart swing of the club was in agony for around 2 hours until suddenly everything sort of clicked back into place when I raised from a sitting position. Wish could explain but can't. 
    • Barretts
      Barretts andrea35441

      Posted

      Laparoscopic Nissen Fundoplication is the gold standard in reflux reduction (and necessarily incorporates Hiatal Hernia repair).

      It has been used now for over 30 years. (And as open surgery for 20 years prior to that.) Results from surveying patients who had the wrap 20 years ago show 95% are happy to have had it done. It loosened in about 15% of cases. But we're still getting better at it and failure rate is now probably around 5%.

      My own wrap failed after 5 hours violent retching due to norovirus. I had a Collis-Nissen repair which is the most likely to last longer.

    • Barretts
      Barretts Abuabu

      Posted

      OK. Your recurrent HH has been detected by barium swallow.

      It's not usual to offer surgery just to fix a Hiatus Hernia unless the resultant reflux is causing probelms.

      Your diverticulum, however, could be a more serious concern. It may require surgery in its own right (depending on severity and position). If this surgery is given, it is frequently followed by a Nissen wrap anyway.

  • andrea35441
    andrea35441 Abuabu

    Posted

    It makes sense that a severe gastric attack could trigger palpitations. Trying to find out the source of my palpitations. Have HH 2cm. I've had tightness in chest and pain along with the palps. The doctors look at me like I'm crazy. Had ekg and finally am being sent to a cardiologist. I sometimes think Western medicine is limited. Doesn't seem to account for the whole body, mind and spirit. Too many specialists who don't make connections. Very frustrating.
    • ruth57068
      ruth57068 andrea35441

      Posted

      Even though I am still having stomach problems, I am glad that I had the surgery.   Was told that if I did not have it, I probably would have died from strangulation, as the hernia was up so far into my diaphram that it would have chocked me.   Didn't want that to happen.   I have lost weight- doctor said that the weight loss is better for me.   Didn't think that I was that badly overweight- as I weighed approx. 143 lbs. before surgery and now weigh 127.    Just hope that the stomach problem with disappear over time.
    • andrea35441
      andrea35441 ruth57068

      Posted

      Wow. Your hernia was really bad. You had no other option. Did the hernia get worse over time? Mine is only 2cm and they refuse to do surgery. But, I am wondering if it gets worse over time?

      What were your symptoms of the strangulation?

    • ruth57068
      ruth57068 andrea35441

      Posted

      Truthfully, I didn't have any symptoms of the strangulation... believe that I avoided any symptoms because I proceeded to have the surgery.   Right now I look upon it as a blessing.    Just wish that I could get my appetite back- my surgeon told me that it will return in time.   Hope that he's right on that.
    • andrea35441
      andrea35441 ruth57068

      Posted

      I hope you regain your appetite soon! It is a blessing that you had the surgery since you didn't have any indication of the strangulation! Best to you as you heal!
    • manblurr
      manblurr andrea35441

      Posted

      Just gt diagnosed tday with a hital hetnia and gastritis didny get to know abt the grade though..on nexium and anxiety med for 10 days yhen he ll teview..have losy nearly 10 kgs in the past month..not a nice thong to say bt just reloeved to know im nt the only one who is suffering frm this others sufferibg even more..may the Lord give you all 4the strength to get throigh this trial..warmest regards
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