Premium
Non‐cardiac chest pain: prevalence, risk factors, impact and consulting — a population‐based study
Author(s) -
Eslick G. D.,
Jones M. P.,
Talley N. J.
Publication year - 2003
Publication title -
alimentary pharmacology and therapeutics
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 3.308
H-Index - 177
eISSN - 1365-2036
pISSN - 0269-2813
DOI - 10.1046/j.1365-2036.2003.01557.x
Subject(s) - medicine , chest pain , heartburn , population , odds ratio , physical therapy , coronary artery disease , myocardial infarction , angina , risk factor , dysphagia , cardiology , disease , surgery , environmental health , reflux
Summary Background : Little is known about the prevalence and importance of non‐cardiac chest pain in the general population. Aim : To evaluate the magnitude and impact of this condition. Methods : A validated self‐report questionnaire was mailed to a sample of 1000 residents of Penrith, selected randomly from the electoral rolls. Symptoms, risk factors, psychological distress, quality of life and demographics were measured. Results : The response rate was 73% ( n = 672; mean age, 46 years; 52% female). Chest pain ever was reported by 39% of the population; 7% reported a history of myocardial infarction and 8% a history of angina. Two hundred and nineteen (33%) cases were classified as non‐cardiac chest pain; only 23% had consulted a physician about chest pain in the previous year. The only independent risk factor for non‐cardiac chest pain was the frequency of heartburn (odds ratio, 1.74; 95% confidence interval, 1.08–2.79; P = 0.02). None of the gastrointestinal (heartburn, dysphagia, acid regurgitation) or psychological (anxiety, depression, neuroticism) risk factors were significantly associated with consulting for non‐cardiac chest pain. Conclusions : Non‐cardiac chest pain is remarkably common in the general population and negatively impacts on the quality of life. Gastro‐oesophageal reflux disease is a key risk factor for non‐cardiac chest pain in the community. Health care seeking for non‐cardiac chest pain remains unexplained.