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

  • Get Celiac.com Updates:
    Support Celiac.com:
    Join eNewsletter
    Donate
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A17):
    Celiac.com Sponsor (A17):



    Celiac.com Sponsors (A17-M):



  • Recent Activity

    1. trents
      - trents replied to catnapt's topic in Celiac Disease Pre-Diagnosis, Testing & Symptoms
      9

      how much gluten do I need to eat before blood tests?

      I might suggest you consider buckwheat groats. https://www.amazon.com/Anthonys-Organic-Hulled-Buckwheat-Groats/dp/B0D15QDVW7/ref=sr_1_4_pp?crid=GOFG11A8ZUMU&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.bk-hCrXgLpHqKS8QJnfKJLKbKzm2BS9tIFv3P9HjJ5swL1-02C3V819UZ845_kAwnxTUM8Qa69hKl0DfHAucO827k_rh7ZclIOPtAA9KjvEEYtaeUV06FJQyCoi5dwcfXRt8dx3cJ6ctEn2VIPaaFd0nOye2TkASgSRtdtKgvXEEXknFVYURBjXen...
    2. Scott Adams
      - Scott Adams replied to SilkieFairy's topic in Celiac Disease Pre-Diagnosis, Testing & Symptoms
      2

      IBS-D vs Celiac

      What you’re describing really does not read like typical IBS-D. The dramatic, rapid normalization of stool frequency and form after removing wheat, along with improved tolerance of legumes and plant foods, is a classic pattern seen in gluten-driven disease rather than functional IBS. IBS usually worsens with fiber and beans, not improves. The fact that y...
    3. Scott Adams
      - Scott Adams replied to Amy Barnett's topic in Gluten-Free Foods, Products, Shopping & Medications
      1

      Question

      Here are some results from a search: Top Liquid Multivitamin Picks for Celiac Needs MaryRuth's Liquid Morning Multivitamin Essentials+ – Excellent daily choice with a broad vitamin/mineral profile, easy to absorb, gluten-free, vegan, and great overall value. MaryRuth's Liquid Morning Multivitamin – Classic, well-reviewed gluten-free liquid mul...
    4. Scott Adams
      - Scott Adams commented on Scott Adams's article in Multiple Sclerosis and Celiac Disease
      2

      Gluten-Free Diet Linked to Reduced Inflammation and Improved Outcomes in Multiple Sclerosis (+Video)

      Better to know late than never, and it is too bad they did not test you for it earlier!
    5. Scott Adams
      0

      Koikoi Trading Inc., Issues Allergy Alert on Undeclared Wheat and Sesame in FU ZHOU FISH BALL

  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A19):

  • Member Statistics

    • Total Members
      133,323
    • Most Online (within 30 mins)
      7,748
    bttyknight83
    Newest Member
    bttyknight83
    Joined
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A20):
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A22):

  • Forum Statistics

    • Total Topics
      121.6k
    • Total Posts
      1m
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A21):

  • Upcoming Events

  • Posts

    • trents
      how much gluten do I need to eat before blood tests?

      By trents · Posted

      I might suggest you consider buckwheat groats. https://www.amazon.com/Anthonys-Organic-Hulled-Buckwheat-Groats/dp/B0D15QDVW7/ref=sr_1_4_pp?crid=GOFG11A8ZUMU&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.bk-hCrXgLpHqKS8QJnfKJLKbKzm2BS9tIFv3P9HjJ5swL1-02C3V819UZ845_kAwnxTUM8Qa69hKl0DfHAucO827k_rh7ZclIOPtAA9KjvEEYtaeUV06FJQyCoi5dwcfXRt8dx3cJ6ctEn2VIPaaFd0nOye2TkASgSRtdtKgvXEEXknFVYURBjXen1Nc7EtAlJyJbU8EhB89ElCGFPRavEQkTFHv9V2Zh1EMAPRno7UajBpLCQ-1JfC5jKUyzfgsf7jN5L6yfZSgjhnwEbg6KKwWrKeghga8W_CAhEEw9N0.eDBrhYWsjgEFud6ZE03iun0-AEaGfNS1q4ILLjZz7Fs&dib_tag=se&keywords=buckwheat%2Bgroats&qid=1769980587&s=grocery&sprefix=buchwheat%2Bgroats%2Cgrocery%2C249&sr=1-4&th=1 Takes about 10 minutes to cook. Incidentally, I don't like quinoa either. Reminds me and smells to me like wet grass seed. When its not washed before cooking it makes me ill because of saponins in the seed coat. Yes, it can be difficult to get much dietary calcium without dairy. But in many cases, it's not the amount of calcium in the diet that is the problem but the poor uptake of it. And too much calcium supplementation can interfere with the absorption of vitamins and minerals in general because it raises gut pH.
    • Scott Adams
      IBS-D vs Celiac

      By Scott Adams · Posted

      What you’re describing really does not read like typical IBS-D. The dramatic, rapid normalization of stool frequency and form after removing wheat, along with improved tolerance of legumes and plant foods, is a classic pattern seen in gluten-driven disease rather than functional IBS. IBS usually worsens with fiber and beans, not improves. The fact that you carry HLA-DQ2.2 means celiac disease is absolutely possible, even if it’s less common than DQ2.5, and many people with DQ2.2 present later and are under-diagnosed. Your hesitation to reintroduce gluten is completely understandable — quality of life matters — and many people in your position choose to remain strictly gluten-free and treat it as medically necessary even without formal biopsy confirmation. If and when you’re ready, a physician can help you weigh options like limited gluten challenge, serology history, or documentation as “probable celiac.” What’s clear is that this wasn’t just random IBS — you identified the trigger, and your body has been very consistent in its response.
    • Scott Adams
      Question

      By Scott Adams · Posted

      Here are some results from a search: Top Liquid Multivitamin Picks for Celiac Needs MaryRuth's Liquid Morning Multivitamin Essentials+ – Excellent daily choice with a broad vitamin/mineral profile, easy to absorb, gluten-free, vegan, and great overall value. MaryRuth's Liquid Morning Multivitamin – Classic, well-reviewed gluten-free liquid multivitamin with essential nutrients in a readily absorbable form. MaryRuth's Morning Multivitamin w/ Hair Growth – Adds beauty-supporting ingredients (biotin, B vitamins), also gluten-free and easy to take. New Chapter Liquid Multivitamin and New Chapter Liquid Multivitamin Orange Mango – Fermented liquid form with extra nutrients and good tolerability if you prefer a whole-food-based formula. Nature's Plus Source Of Life Gold Liquid – Premium option with a broad spectrum of vitamins and plant-based nutrients. Floradix Epresat Adult Liquid Multivitamin – Highly rated gluten-free German-made liquid, good choice if taste and natural ingredients matter. NOW Foods Liquid Multi Tropical Orange – Budget-friendly liquid multivitamin with solid nutrient coverage.
    • catnapt
      how much gluten do I need to eat before blood tests?

      By catnapt · Posted

      oh that's interesting... it's hard to say for sure but it has *seemed* like oats might be causing me some vague issues in the past few months. It's odd that I never really connect specific symptoms to foods, it's more of an all over feeling of unwellness after  eating them.  If it happens a few times after eating the same foods- I cut back or avoid them. for this reason I avoid dairy and eggs.  So far this has worked well for me.  oh, I have some of Bob's Red Mill Mighty Tasty Hot cereal and I love it! it's hard to find but I will be looking for more.  for the next few weeks I'm going to be concentrating on whole fresh fruits and veggies and beans and nuts and seeds. I'll have to find out if grains are truly necessary in our diet. I buy brown rice pasta but only eat that maybe once a month at most. Never liked quinoa. And all the other exotic sounding grains seem to be time consuming to prepare. Something to look at later. I love beans and to me they provide the heft and calories that make me feel full for a lot longer than a big bowl of broccoli or other veggies. I can't even tolerate the plant milks right now.  I have reached out to the endo for guidance regarding calcium intake - she wants me to consume 1000mgs from food daily and I'm not able to get to more than 600mgs right now.  not supposed to use a supplement until after my next round of testing for hyperparathyroidism.   thanks again- you seem to know quite a bit about celiac.  
    • trents
      IBS-D vs Celiac

      By trents · Posted

      Welcome to the celiac.com community, @SilkieFairy! You could also have NCGS (Non Celiac Gluten Sensitivity) as opposed to celiac disease. They share many of the same symptoms, especially the GI ones. There is no test for NCGS. Celiac disease must first be ruled out.
×
×
  • 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.