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Could my symptoms signal a heart problem with BMI 39?

This Premium Q&A, reviewed and published, features a real conversation between an iCliniq user and a physician.

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

I'm a heavy drinker and smoke about 7 to 8 cigarettes a day. Over the past 10 days, I’ve been experiencing chest discomfort, including a burning sensation in the chest, nausea, an irregular heartbeat, and cold sweats, especially after smoking.

Today, I felt very uneasy, so I took an Aspirin 75 mg tablet, and I’m feeling a little better now. Should I be worried about heart disease? Do I need to see a doctor? For reference, I weigh 200 pounds, my height is 5 feet 7 inches, and my BMI is 39. Please advise.

Thank you.

Answered by Dr. Sagar Ramesh Makode

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Sagar Ramesh Makode is a Consultant Cardiologist dedicated to diagnosing and managing various heart conditions with precision and care. He focuses on improving cardiovascular health through advanced treatments and preventive strategies. With expertise in providing personalized care, he strives to support patients in achieving better heart health, enhancing their quality of life, and reducing the risk of future cardiac complications.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

It is great to hear from you.

What you should do first:

  • Get an ECG (electrocardiogram) soon to rule out any heart-related causes of your chest discomfort.
  • If possible, upload the ECG report here for a second opinion.

What does your symptom suggest

  • Your chest discomfort, burning sensation, nausea, irregular heartbeat, and cold sweats after smoking are concerning.
  • These could be GERD symptoms or gastritis, especially given your smoking and alcohol habits.
  • Relief after taking aspirin suggests it might not be cardiac, but it still requires medical attention.

Lifestyle and diet changes to start now:

  • Avoid fatty, oily, and spicy foods.
  • Eat small, frequent meals instead of large, heavy ones.
  • Don’t lie down after eating; take a light walk instead.
  • Stick to a regular sleep schedule and try to manage stress.
  • Include green leafy vegetables and fruits in your daily diet.
  • Start cutting down on smoking and alcohol, as both worsen gastritis and acid reflux.

Medications you may be prescribed (only under a doctor’s guidance):

  • Pantoprazole + Domperidone 40 mg or Esomeprazole + Domperidone, once daily before breakfast for 2 weeks.
  • If symptoms continue, Sucralfate + Oxetacaine syrup, two teaspoons, 3 times daily for 1 week, may help.

I hope this helps.

Kindly revert so I can assist you further.

Thank you.

Medically reviewed by Dr. K. Shobana
Published At June 28, 2018
Reviewed At July 21, 2025

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Sagar Ramesh Makode is a Consultant Cardiologist dedicated to diagnosing and managing various heart conditions with precision and care. He focuses on improving cardiovascular health through advanced treatments and preventive strategies. With expertise in providing personalized care, he strives to support patients in achieving better heart health, enhancing their quality of life, and reducing the risk of future cardiac complications.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Education:

BDS

Professional Bio:

Dr. K. Shobana is a Dental Surgeon specializing in oral health and dental care. She is skilled in preventive dentistry and provides oral hygiene education. She can do restorative treatments such as fillings and crowns. She can handle periodontal problems such as gum diseases and periodontitis. She can do root canal treatment.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Sagar Ramesh Makode is a Consultant Cardiologist dedicated to diagnosing and managing various heart conditions with precision and care. He focuses on improving cardiovascular health through advanced treatments and preventive strategies. With expertise in providing personalized care, he strives to support patients in achieving better heart health, enhancing their quality of life, and reducing the risk of future cardiac complications.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

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