In the Roemheld syndrome, the changes occur in the abdomen which stimulates cardiac symptoms. This is also called gastrocardiac syndrome. It is caused due to producing large amounts of gas in the digestive system. This causes irritation in the vagal nerve. This nerve transfers signals from the brain to the heart and digestive system. As a result, it causes chest pain, irregular heartbeat. RS is not a disease, it is the cardiovascular symptoms which is not very common among the individuals.

Symptoms of Roemheld Syndrome

There are some signs that show the symptoms of RS, and these are given below:

Nausea
Stomach ache
Difficulty inhaling
Confusion
Chest pain and feel tightness
Head spinning
Loss of energy
Hot flashes
Heart rate is less than normal
Sleeping disorder
Anxiety
Irregular and rapid heartbeat

Causes of Roemheld Syndrome

The cause of RS is not known yet, however, it may be linked with some conditions like gastroesophageal reflux disease or GERD and other gastric-related problems, which cause large amounts of gas. Here are some primary causes that might cause Roemheld syndrome:

Abnormal function of gallbladder
Pancreatic inflammation
Abdominal organs get displaced from the diaphragm to the chest due to Hiatal hernia.
Production of excessive gas in the gastrointestinal tract.
Eating unhealthy foods
Irritable bowel syndrome due to malfunction of the digestive system.
Abdominal pain due to malfunction of sphincter of Oddi.
Gallbladder stones
Stimulation of vagus nerve
Digestive system disease
Eating gas-producing foods

Who is More Prone to having Roemheld Syndrome?

Those persons who swallow more air and which gets collected in the gut, are called aerophagia. This contribute to cause RS in individuals who are in the habit of:

Smoking
Eating fast
Drink soft drinks or carbonated beverages
Person who usually breathes through their mouth
Using of straw for drinking
Vigorous physical activity

How can Roemheld Syndrome be Diagnosed in Patients?

It can be misdiagnosed with heart-related and gastric symptoms. Two types of tests are conducted for heart and abdomen.

Tests for the Heart

Tilt Table Test: To know the response of the body how it is affected after changing its positions.
Holter Monitor: Cardiac activity is observed for a whole day.
Heart Catheterization: To know about the heart and its blood vessels.
Sleep Study: It is done to observe the body activity while sleeping.
Echocardiogram: It captures the image of the heart and its blood vessels.
CT Scan: It is used to get a clear picture of the heart.
Electrophysiological Study: It helps to detect abnormal heartbeats.
MRI: The structure and function of the heart can be known.
Physiological Test: It is done to know a person’s cognitive ability and personality.

Abdominal Tests

Endoscopy: It is done to examine your digestive tract in which a thin tube is inserted from the mouth to the organ that has to be checked.
Abdominal Ultrasound: To see the anatomical structure of the stomach by using ultrasound devices.
Colonoscopy: In this test, a long, thin tube is inserted into rectum to examine the large bowel.

Treatment for Roemheld Syndrome

It can be treated in may ways, and these are mentioned below:

Medicines: There are some medications that can be used to treat RS.
- Antacids: These medicines help to get relief from indigestion and heartburn. Omeprazole, Calcium carbonate, etc, will minimize acid reflux in hiatal hernia.
- Antigases: Medicines like Beano, Simethicone, etc, helps to reduce epigastric pressure.
- Alpha blockers: These help to relax the blood vessels, such as Amitriptyline, etc.
- Beta Blockers: It helps to decrease irregular heartbeat by reducing the blood pressure. For example, carvedilol prevents heart block and it also controls abnormal heartbeat.
Nutritional Food: You should include those foods that can be easily digested, like banana, rice, etc.
Supplements: Probiotics should be included into your diet, which can improve your gut health.
Better Lifestyle: There is a need to change in the lifestyle which will reduce the symptoms of RS:
- For better digestion, you should choose small meals that will uplift the pressure on your digestive system.
- Heavy activities and heavy lifting should be avoided because it can put pressure on your stomach.
- Drinking from the straw should be avoided and you should drink directly from the glass to avoid intake of extra air.