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- Title
Non-cardiac chest pain: prevalence, risk factors, impact and consulting — a population-based study.
- Authors
Eslick, G. D.; Jones, M. P.; Talley, N. J.
- Abstract
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.
- Subjects
CHEST pain; MEDICAL care; CORONARY disease; DISEASE risk factors
- Publication
Alimentary Pharmacology & Therapeutics, 2003, Vol 17, Issue 9, p1115
- ISSN
0269-2813
- Publication type
Article
- DOI
10.1046/j.1365-2036.2003.01557.x