I'm experiencing some discomfort after meals. Whenever I eat a heavy meal, I get this left-sided chest pain, and I notice my resting heart rate shoots up to around 100, even though it's usually about 70. It gets worse with any kind of light activity like walking or climbing stairs but seems to settle down after a few hours. I did have some heart tests, like an ECG, echo, and TMT about six months ago, and they all came back normal. My blood tests are fine toono anemia, high blood pressure, or sugar issues. Should I be considering any other tests or looking into something else? Its starting to worry me.

Dr Mubarak Parveez B

General Practitioner

• MBBS
• 2+ Yrs

Consult Now

It sounds like you may be experiencing symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or acid reflux. The chest pain after eating heavy meals, along with the increased heart rate and chest discomfort with light activity, are common symptoms of GERD. Since your heart tests were normal, it is less likely to be related to a cardiac issue. I recommend trying over-the-counter antacids like Tums or Rolaids to see if they help alleviate your symptoms. You can also try avoiding heavy meals, eating smaller meals more frequently, and avoiding lying down immediately after eating. Additionally, you may benefit from medications like omeprazole (Prilosec) or ranitidine (Zantac) to reduce stomach acid production. If your symptoms persist despite these measures, you may consider undergoing an upper endoscopy to further evaluate the cause of your symptoms. This procedure can help identify any inflammation or damage in the esophagus or stomach. Overall, it is important to follow up with your healthcare provider for further evaluation and management of your symptoms.

Answered 04/07/2025