There are several forms of gastrointestinal diseases that have symptoms that can mimic heart related problems.

What seemed like indigestion started to worry Max Soto after he took several antacid tablets and the discomfort just wouldn't go away. This pain can, at times, be caused by a condition known as cardio-spasm. "I had sharp pains in my lower chest and since I'm young, I didn't think it was heart related, but I had no idea what it was."

Gastroenterologist Asif Choudhury says "A spasm in any intestine which goes into the food pipe especially if it starts in the lower part of the food pipe."

Dr. Choudhury also says that the causes of this condition can be either physical, emotional, or a combination of both. "Sometimes people are on many medications, people have quite a bit of anxiety and lot of psychiatric problems and also they might have quite a lot of acid reflux."

Dr. Choudhury tells that the first line of defense treatment for this condition should be to talk with your doctor and make changes in your lifestyle. "Try to avoid foods that give a lot of acid reflux like spicy foods, high fat meals and eating quite a bit of coffee, smoking."

If lifestyle changes combined with weight loss do not ease the symptoms, your doctor may recommend prescription medication to eliminate the discomfort of cardio-spasm.

Gastroesophagel reflux disease or GERD is the leading cause of cardio-spasm.