Stomach Heart: Position, Role, and Additional Information
The gastric cardia, the first portion of the stomach connecting the esophagus, plays a crucial role in our digestive system. This region is home to the gastroesophageal sphincter, which acts like a door to the stomach, and secretes mucus to protect the lining from stomach acid [1].
Unfortunately, the cardia can be affected by several conditions, three of the most common being gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), hiatal hernia, and gastric (stomach) cancer.
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) is a chronic condition in which stomach acid refluxes into the lower esophagus near the cardia, causing symptoms such as heartburn (a burning chest sensation), regurgitation of food or acid, chest pain, difficulty swallowing (dysphagia), nausea, and sometimes wheezing. These symptoms can worsen at night or when lying flat [3][4].
Hiatal Hernia occurs when part of the stomach, including the cardia region, bulges upward through the diaphragm into the chest cavity. It commonly causes heartburn, regurgitation of food or acid, and acid reflux symptoms similar to GERD. Complications of an untreated hiatal hernia include esophageal ulcers, strictures, Barrett’s esophagus (a precancerous change), and rare cases of strangulation of the herniated stomach part [2].
Gastric Cancer, particularly when involving the cardia, may initially present with nonspecific symptoms such as heartburn, upper abdominal pain, nausea, loss of appetite, and indigestion. As cancer advances, symptoms can include weight loss, fatigue, vomiting (sometimes with blood), black stools (melena), and difficulty swallowing (dysphagia) if the tumor invades the esophagus [5].
It's essential to note that some cardiac conditions like heart attack can cause symptoms that mimic gastric distress, including sudden nausea, vomiting, and upper abdominal pain, due to shared nerve pathways between the heart and digestive system [1].
In summary, the most common conditions affecting the gastric cardia are GERD, hiatal hernia, and gastric cancer, with symptoms frequently involving heartburn, acid regurgitation, nausea, upper abdominal discomfort, and potentially difficulty swallowing or weight loss depending on severity and cause. Early recognition of these symptoms is crucial for diagnosis and management.
References:
- Mayo Clinic. (2021). Gastritis. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/gastritis/symptoms-causes/syc-20374087
- National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. (2021). Hiatal Hernia. Retrieved from https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/hiatal-hernia
- National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. (2021). Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD). Retrieved from https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/gastroesophageal-reflux-disease-gerd
- American College of Gastroenterology. (2020). Prevalence and Impact of GERD. Retrieved from https://www.acg.org/patients/disease-information/gerd-gastroesophageal-reflux-disease
- National Cancer Institute. (2020). Stomach Cancer Treatment (PDQ®) – Patient Version. Retrieved from https://www.cancer.gov/types/stomach/patient/stomach-treatment-pdq
- Li, X., et al. (2020). Helicobacter pylori Infection and Cardiac Lesions: A Population-Based Study in China. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7348118/
- Proper nutrition plays a significant role in managing conditions like GERD, as dietary changes can reduce the occurrence of stomach acid reflux.
- Understanding the link between science and medical-conditions, such as the association between Helicobacter pylori infection and cardiac lesions, can lead to advancements in the prevention and treatment of gastric diseases.
- Regular fitness-and-exercise and emphasizing health-and-wellness practices can help prevent chronic diseases, including gastric cancer, by improving overall digestive health.
- In addition to consulting medical professionals for diagnosis and treatment, educating oneself on chronic diseases, such as gastric cancer, can aid in recognizing symptoms early and seeking proper care.
