The symptoms of a hiatal hernia are difficult to pinpoint, as many people with this condition do not suffer any symptoms at all. However, others may suffer from heartburn related to GERD, or gastroesophageal reflux disease. Though there seems to be a link between these conditions, it is worth noting that one problem does not necessarily cause the other. Indeed, many people suffer from GERD without having the hernia, and others will have the hernia without having GERD.