Gastroenterologists see patients for chest pain regularly. This is because the esophagus is a potential origin of various chest symptoms. We all know that heartburn and belching, for example, can be manifestations of gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD. But the esophagus is not always the culprit responsible for chest distress! When I am seeing a patient with chest pain, my highest professional obligation is to consider if there might be a cardiac explanation. If I am at all suspicious, then I will direct the patient to an appropriate practitioner, which may be the primary physician. Years ago, I sent a patient with chest pain directly to the emergency room. From there, he was sent for cardiac catheterization when a stent was placed.. Nearly every doctor could relate a similar anecdote. Oftentimes, chest pain patients are sent to me by cardiologists so I can be secure that a cardiac explanation has been excluded, On oth...
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