FUNCTIONAL GASTROINTESTINAL DISORDERS IN UNSELECTED PATIENTS WITH NONCARDIAC CHEST PAIN

Patients with non-cardiac chest pain (NCCP) (n = 387) and cardiac ches t pain (CCP) (n = 93) were compared with community controls (n = 81), using a symptom questionnaire that assessed the presence of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), functional dyspepsia, and oesophageal dysfunctio n and chest pain characteristics. A significantly (p < 0.05) increased prevalence of symptoms compatible with IBS occurred in NCCP patients when compared with those with CCP and with controls. Dysphagia was mor e frequent in both those with non-cardiac and cardiac chest pain than in controls; this was not apparent, however, when patients with concom itant IBS were excluded. The presence of oesophageal or gastrointestin al symptoms did not enable discrimination with regard to the chest pai n characteristics. We conclude that unselected referred patients with documented NCCP are more likely to have IBS and that the presence of o esophageal symptoms such as dysphagia may merely reflect the spectrum of the 'irritable gut'.