Esophageal reflux in older patients with noncardiac chest pain

Purpose: Gastroesophageal Reflux (GER) has been commonly recognized in young and middle-aged patients with noncardiac chest pain (NCCP). GER prevalence rates are higher in older patients with typical presentation forms of the disease. There is paucity of information regarding the prevalence of GER in older patients with atypical forms of GER, i.e. NCCP. It is also unknown whether there are any differences in clinical presentations (heartburn/regurgitation) between young patients with NCCP and their elderly counterparts. HYPOTHESIS: GER is more prevalent in older than in younger patients with NCCP. AIM: Evaluate if there are differences in the prevalence rates of GER in our patient population with NCCP based on their age.