Aortic Dissection Nerve Impingement Shingles Gastrointestinal Causes Pains originating from the digestive tract often can mimic heart pains. Acid produced in the stomach can sometimes reflux , or back up into the esophagus, the long tube that connects the mouth to the stomach. This can cause discomfort in the upper stomach or around the breastbone.
Acid reflux can irritate and inflame the esophagus, a condition known as esophagitis.
It occurs after a meal or when one lies down. One clue that acid reflux may be the cause of chest pain is that the discomfort often is relieved by the use of an antacid such as Maalox or Mylanta . Another cause of pain originating from the digestive tract is an ulcer , an erosion of the lining of the stomach or duodenum, the first part of the small intestine. Ulcers may also develop without a clear cause. As with acid reflux, the ulcer pain can cause discomfort in the upper abdomen, can be triggered by eating, and is sometimes relieved with antacids.