Understanding Heartburn: Causes, Symptoms, and Prevention

Despite its name, heartburn is unrelated to the heart. It is a common condition resulting from acid reflux in the stomach. Symptoms often mimic heart disease, including chest pain, but the root cause is the backflow of stomach acids into the esophagus, or food pipe. This causes a burning feeling in the chest and upper abdomen. If this occurs more than twice weekly, it may be diagnosed as Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD).

Symptoms

Common signs include persistent cough, upper abdominal pain, difficulty swallowing, and a burning sensation in the chest and throat.

Causes

The lower esophageal sphincter (LES) acts as a valve, preventing stomach acids from rising into the esophagus. When the LES relaxes too often or doesn’t close tightly, acid reflux occurs. Heavy meals, lifting heavy objects, smoking, and obesity are major lifestyle factors that contribute to heartburn.

Diagnosis

Medical professionals may use tests such as endoscopy, upper GI series, or pH monitoring to diagnose and determine treatment options for persistent symptoms.

Prevention

Adopting healthy habits can reduce risk. Eat small, frequent meals instead of large ones. Avoid exercising immediately after eating—wait at least four hours. Quitting smoking and maintaining a healthy weight are crucial, as both can increase heartburn likelihood.