Jump to content

  • Welcome to Celiac.com!

    You have found your celiac tribe! Join us and ask questions in our forum, share your story, and connect with others.



  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A1):

    Celiac.com Sponsor (A1-M):

  • Get Celiac.com Updates:
    Support Our Content
    eNewsletter
    Donate

Can Celiac Cause Heart Problems?

kellysensei

Recommended Posts

kellysensei Apprentice
kellysensei
Posted

This fall, I went gluten-free for seven weeks but then went back to gluten on Dec. 9 to do blood work (which I'll have done next week). An EnteroLab stool test recently came back positive for gluten sensitivity.

 

About four weeks ago, I started having pains in my left chest. Sometimes they're sharp pains; sometimes it's a dull ache. Sometimes it feels like it's my ribs, but much of the time it feels like it's my heart. Yet I had an EKG and an echocardiogram (ultrasound) done, and they both came back normal. My doctor seems confused and said "this is a strange case." She basically just told me to take a bunch of Ibuprofen.

 

Could gluten be giving me chest pains, by any chance? I didn't think so, but the pain had subsided a bit last week, then I ate a bunch of gluten this weekend and the pain is much worse again today. I don't know what to think...

Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):
Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):

Celiac.com Sponsor (A8-M):


ravenwoodglass Mentor
ravenwoodglass
Posted

IMHO it is more likely you are experiencing stomach pains or it could possibly be gas. I get those pains when I get glutened or soyed. Many times a quick dose of brand name Pepto Bismal liquid will relieve it. Can't say that is the case for you. It does sound like your doctor is on top of this and has ruled out heart issues. That should give you at least some relief from that worry.

Hopefully you will be done with your challenge and be able to go back to gluten free soon and the pains will end.

w8in4dave Community Regular
w8in4dave
Posted

It can cause acid reflux, sometimes people go to the Hosp. because they think they are having a heart attack and find out it is acid reflux. It happened to me. I didn't go to the Hosp. but went to the Dr. after an episode. 

kellysensei Apprentice
kellysensei
Posted
  • Author

I was diagnosed with acid reflux in September, but that's not what this is. I've had a lot of bad heartburn this fall, and the pain I'm having now is not heartburn, nor is it stomach pain. The sharp pains I'm having are directly behind my left breast, and the throbbing pains are directly under and also to the left of that breast. 

kenlove Rising Star
kenlove
Posted

My doc has been trying to figure this out for more than 7 years.  My heart problems started after I got celiac in my 50s. They have tried to figure out why i have both atrial fibrulation and a flutter.  ive had to have cardiac ablation  which helped a lot  but now its 3 years later and have some of the same problems.  Just  took back the  monitor yesterday and waiting on the results. I did buy a BP machines which also gives pulse and tells you if you have an irregular heart beat. Not just about the pain  which I have some of the times. It comes and go but when my heart pops in and out of sinus or into a fib, it can  wake me up and give a lot of pain. A clinic i went to for a month had me go vegan about  4 years ago and I was fine. If I cheat which has only been about 6 times, i feel it in an hour. That is  cheat on being vegan not celiac.  Pulse stays about 88 even when resting but will go to 150 and sometimes drop to 40.

really makes it hard to be consistent.  Keep a record for your doc will help and getting that $100 machine will give you an idea of whats going on too. Good luck

 

This fall, I went gluten-free for seven weeks but then went back to gluten on Dec. 9 to do blood work (which I'll have done next week). An EnteroLab stool test recently came back positive for gluten sensitivity.

 

About four weeks ago, I started having pains in my left chest. Sometimes they're sharp pains; sometimes it's a dull ache. Sometimes it feels like it's my ribs, but much of the time it feels like it's my heart. Yet I had an EKG and an echocardiogram (ultrasound) done, and they both came back normal. My doctor seems confused and said "this is a strange case." She basically just told me to take a bunch of Ibuprofen.

 

Could gluten be giving me chest pains, by any chance? I didn't think so, but the pain had subsided a bit last week, then I ate a bunch of gluten this weekend and the pain is much worse again today. I don't know what to think...

frieze Community Regular
frieze
Posted

could be referred pain, coming from gut/stomache.  try gingerale/Maalox.

Jackie F Newbie
Jackie F
Posted

When I first started having issues after eating bread, etc my first symptom right away was heart palpitations. Then, an hour or so later I would have racing heart and sweating (somewhat like heart attack symptoms). After 8-12 hours of that, then the stomach pains, vomiting, fatigue, fog and finally the last stage is numbness in my wrists and face.  Granted, I was born with a severe congenital heart defect, but this disease is an autoimmune disease.  From what I was told by my cardiologist is that when I eat gluten (and now it is always by accident) the disease causes inflammation in my heart and attacks my heart.  I will have chest pains and palpitations for about a week after I eat gluten.  That is by far the worst part of the disease for me.  I can deal with the stomach issues, fatigue, but the heart attack symptoms are terrible!  Everyone is different, but this is the reason I never cheat on my diet, and if I eat gluten it is by accident. 

Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):
Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):

Celiac.com Sponsor (A8-M):


eers03 Explorer
eers03
Posted

This fall, I went gluten-free for seven weeks but then went back to gluten on Dec. 9 to do blood work (which I'll have done next week). An EnteroLab stool test recently came back positive for gluten sensitivity.

 

About four weeks ago, I started having pains in my left chest. Sometimes they're sharp pains; sometimes it's a dull ache. Sometimes it feels like it's my ribs, but much of the time it feels like it's my heart. Yet I had an EKG and an echocardiogram (ultrasound) done, and they both came back normal. My doctor seems confused and said "this is a strange case." She basically just told me to take a bunch of Ibuprofen.

 

Could gluten be giving me chest pains, by any chance? I didn't think so, but the pain had subsided a bit last week, then I ate a bunch of gluten this weekend and the pain is much worse again today. I don't know what to think...

You are not alone!  I think this is very common.  During my last trip to Mayo for follow-up on my celiac disease, I met a phlebotomist who had the same problem.  She was scared it was some kind of heart issue.  All of her tests were coming back negative.  She eventually found out she had celiac disease.  After a few months of eating gluten-free her symptom went away and has not returned since.

 

I had the exact same problem.  Saw a cardiologist and everything was fine.  After being on the diet for a few months those sharp sensations eventually went away.

bartfull Rising Star
bartfull
Posted

https://www.celiac.com/forums/topic/105835-mast-cell-activation-syndrome-mcas/

anti-soprano Apprentice
anti-soprano
Posted

I was diagnosed with acid reflux in September, but that's not what this is. I've had a lot of bad heartburn this fall, and the pain I'm having now is not heartburn, nor is it stomach pain. The sharp pains I'm having are directly behind my left breast, and the throbbing pains are directly under and also to the left of that breast. 

It seems that some people do have actual heart problems associated with their disease.  But I can tell you I had the exact same pains as you have experienced and have no diagnosed heart issues, despite several EKGs over the years before diagnosis and a stress test after diagnosis. The pains are mostly in the sides of my ribs and wrap around to the breast bone- running right under my breasts at times and sitting on my sternum others.  I have had them on both sides, but admittedly notice it more when it happens on the left due to fear about the heart.  

 

I had these pains for 10 years.  I tried pain killers and they did nothing.  I was on acid reflux meds for 6 of those ten years because I thought the pain was from GERD.  When I finally met the saintly GI doc who diagnosed me, the first thing she told me was the pain I was experiencing (as you described) was NOT acid reflux and I needed to go off my meds and have an accurate test.  The bravo implant test showed no reflux, but while she was down there, she biopsied my small intestine and viola!- celiac.

 

I sometimes still have these pains with no gluten.  I've researched it on the forum and there is another(!) autoimmune condition that simply causes inflammation of the cartilage where it attaches to the breastbone (sternum). Open Original Shared Link

Really, I just chalk it up to that since my heart has been tested many times.  There are a list of other illnesses that "feature costochondritis". Celiac is not listed but the others that are seem to be autoimmune related as well.  It's possible that many of us have it and it simply isn't documented yet.

 

Shellie

1desperateladysaved Proficient
1desperateladysaved
Posted

I had some heart trouble before my diagnosis.  My blood pressure would plunge when I stood up.  My problem improved with supplements.  I feel these troubles were brought on by celiac.  I had a very nutritious diet, but my nutrient levels were low.

 

D 

anand Newbie
anand
Posted

Pl. rule out sarcoidosis ..it is another autoimmune which can occur along with celiac. Sarcoidosis can cause heart tissue damage..

A PET CT is needed to rule out any heart muscle damage... Ibubrufen works for sarcoidosis as do all NSAIDs... You doctor is probably guessing there maybe some autoimmune action taking place and that's why giving ibubrufen...

In short, ask ur doctor to rule out sarcoidosis and get a pet ct of heart if possible.

kellysensei Apprentice
kellysensei
Posted
  • Author

At my follow-up appointment yesterday, my doctor continued to insist it's not my heart, because of the normal tests. She can't say what IS causing my pain, though. She prescribed me an anti-inflammatory drug called Naproxen. Until I have time to pick it up, I'm taking Ibuprofen a few times a day (starting today; I'd really only taken it twice in the last two weeks). We'll see if either has any effect. Today the pain was mostly in my ribs instead of my breast or heart. It changes all the time; grrr.

 

Thanks for the responses; it's a bit comforting to know that other people have experience chest pains, too, and are still alive and well. LOL

anand Newbie
anand
Posted

Do u have any breathing problems..

kellysensei Apprentice
kellysensei
Posted
  • Author

Nope, no breathing problems, no nausea, dizziness, breathlessness, numbness, or anything like that. Exercise doesn't bother me. That's what makes all these pains so weird...

Archived

This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.

Go to topic listing
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A19):


  • Member Statistics

    • Total Members
      131,902
    • Most Online (within 30 mins)
      7,748
    Patty6133
    Newest Member
    Patty6133
    Joined
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A20):

  • Forum Statistics

    • Total Topics
      121.4k
    • Total Posts
      1m
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A22):



  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A21):


  • Who's Online (See full list)

  • Upcoming Events

  • Posts

    • trents
      New (possible) celiac diagnosis

      By trents · Posted

      Welcome to the forum, @Judy M! Yes, he definitely needs to continue eating gluten until the day of the endoscopy. Not sure why the GI doc advised otherwise but it was a bum steer.  Celiac disease has a genetic component but also an "epigenetic" component. Let me explain. There are two main genes that have been identified as providing the "potential" to develop "active" celiac disease. We know them as HLA-DQ 2.5 (aka, HLA-DQ 2) and HLA-DQ8. Without one or both of these genes it is highly unlikely that a person will develop celiac disease at some point in their life. About 40% of the general population carry one or both of these two genes but only about 1% of the population develops active celiac disease. Thus, possessing the genetic potential for celiac disease is far less than deterministic. Most who have the potential never develop the disease. In order for the potential to develop celiac disease to turn into active celiac disease, some triggering stress event or events must "turn on" the latent genes. This triggering stress event can be a viral infection, some other medical event, or even prolonged psychological/emotional trauma. This part of the equation is difficult to quantify but this is the epigenetic dimension of the disease. Epigenetics has to do with the influence that environmental factors and things not coded into the DNA itself have to do in "turning on" susceptible genes. And this is why celiac disease can develop at any stage of life. Celiac disease is an autoimmune condition (not a food allergy) that causes inflammation in the lining of the small bowel. The ingestion of gluten causes the body to attack the cells of this lining which, over time, damages and destroys them, impairing the body's ability to absorb nutrients since this is the part of the intestinal track responsible for nutrient absorption and also causing numerous other food sensitivities such as dairy/lactose intolerance. There is another gluten-related disorder known as NCGS (Non Celiac Gluten Sensitivity or just, "gluten sensitivity") that is not autoimmune in nature and which does not damage the small bowel lining. However, NCGS shares many of the same symptoms with celiac disease such as gas, bloating, and diarrhea. It is also much more common than celiac disease. There is no test for NCGS so, because they share common symptoms, celiac disease must first be ruled out through formal testing for celiac disease. This is where your husband is right now. It should also be said that some experts believe NCGS can transition into celiac disease. I hope this helps.
    • Judy M
      New (possible) celiac diagnosis

      By Judy M · Posted

      My husband has had lactose intolerance for his entire life (he's 68 yo).  So, he's used to gastro issues. But for the past year he's been experiencing bouts of diarrhea that last for hours.  He finally went to his gastroenterologist ... several blood tests ruled out other maladies, but his celiac results are suspect.  He is scheduled for an endoscopy and colonoscopy in 2 weeks.  He was told to eat "gluten free" until the tests!!!  I, and he know nothing about this "diet" much less how to navigate his in daily life!! The more I read, the more my head is spinning.  So I guess I have 2 questions.  First, I read on this website that prior to testing, eat gluten so as not to compromise the testing!  Is that true? His primary care doctor told him to eat gluten free prior to testing!  I'm so confused.  Second, I read that celiac disease is genetic or caused by other ways such as surgery.  No family history but Gall bladder removal 7 years ago, maybe?  But how in God's name does something like this crop up and now is so awful he can't go a day without worrying.  He still works in Manhattan and considers himself lucky if he gets there without incident!  Advice from those who know would be appreciated!!!!!!!!!!!!
    • Scott Adams
      Patiently Waiting to See Results

      By Scott Adams · Posted

      You've done an excellent job of meticulously tracking the rash's unpredictable behavior, from its symmetrical spread and stubborn scabbing to the potential triggers you've identified, like the asthma medication and dietary changes. It's particularly telling that the rash seems to flare with wheat consumption, even though your initial blood test was negative—as you've noted, being off wheat before a test can sometimes lead to a false negative, and your description of the other symptoms—joint pain, brain fog, stomach issues—is very compelling. The symmetry of the rash is a crucial detail that often points toward an internal cause, such as an autoimmune response or a systemic reaction, rather than just an external irritant like a plant or mites. I hope your doctor tomorrow takes the time to listen carefully to all of this evidence you've gathered and works with you to find some real answers and effective relief. Don't be discouraged if the rash fluctuates; your detailed history is the most valuable tool you have for getting an accurate diagnosis.
    • Scott Adams
      Gluten free beer ?

      By Scott Adams · Posted

      In this case the beer is excellent, but for those who are super sensitive it is likely better to go the full gluten-free beer route. Lakefront Brewery (another sponsor!) has good gluten-free beer made without any gluten ingredients.
    • trents
      Patiently Waiting to See Results

      By trents · Posted

      Welcome to the forum, @catsrlife! Celiac disease can be diagnosed without committing to a full-blown "gluten challenge" if you get a skin biopsy done during an active outbreak of dermatitis herpetiformis, assuming that is what is causing the rash. There is no other known cause for dermatitis herpetiformis so it is definitive for celiac disease. You would need to find a dermatologist who is familiar with doing the biopsy correctly, however. The samples need to be taken next to the pustules, not on them . . . a mistake many dermatologists make when biopsying for dermatitis herpetiformis. 
×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

NOTICE: This site places This site places cookies on your device (Cookie settings). on your device. Continued use is acceptance of our Terms of Use, and Privacy Policy.