Can stomach problems cause heart discomfort?
Nov 07, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Tian Hongbo
Introduction
In general, stomach disorders may cause symptoms similar to heart discomfort. Because the stomach is located close to the heart, pain or discomfort from certain gastric conditions can radiate to the chest or behind the breastbone. This discomfort is often related to eating or meal times and may be accompanied by gastrointestinal symptoms such as acid reflux, belching, and bloating. It can easily be mistaken for a cardiac issue and is commonly seen in conditions such as gastritis and gastric ulcers.
Under normal circumstances, stomach diseases may cause symptoms similar to cardiac discomfort, but they do not directly lead to heart disease. If any abnormalities occur, timely medical consultation is recommended. The detailed analysis is as follows:
The stomach is located close to the heart, and during certain gastric episodes, pain or discomfort may radiate to the chest or behind the breastbone. This discomfort is often related to eating or meal times and may be accompanied by gastrointestinal symptoms such as acid reflux, belching, and bloating. These symptoms are easily mistaken for heart problems and commonly occur in conditions such as gastritis and gastric ulcers.
In rare cases, severe stomach disease may indirectly affect heart function. For example, long-term malabsorption leading to nutritional imbalances, or intense pain causing autonomic nervous system dysfunction, may result in symptoms such as palpitations and chest tightness. However, these situations do not involve direct damage to the heart by stomach disease, but rather arise indirectly through secondary factors.
When experiencing chest discomfort, it is important to carefully distinguish the characteristics of the symptoms and seek prompt medical evaluation to identify the underlying cause, avoiding misdiagnosis between gastric disorders and heart disease that could delay appropriate treatment.
