Identifying Chest Discomfort from Heartburn vs. Heart Attack

Experiencing a burning sensation in your chest after eating is common and known as heartburn. In severe cases, this discomfort can mimic chest pain associated with serious conditions like heart attacks.

Heartburn, also called acid reflux, occurs when stomach acid flows back into the esophagus, often because of overeating or consuming spicy foods. This leads to a burning feeling and may cause nausea and general unease.

If heartburn episodes happen more than twice weekly, it could be gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), which requires medical attention to prevent complications.

How To Differentiate Heartburn from a Heart Attack

While chest pain is common in both conditions, their accompanying symptoms vary significantly.

Heart Attack Symptoms

Typically, pain from a heart attack radiates into the neck, arms, and shoulders. It's often accompanied by shortness of breath, dizziness, sweating, and a feeling of tightness in the chest.

Heartburn Symptoms

Heartburn causes a burning sensation that often worsens when lying down and usually occurs after meals. It may include a bitter taste, throat soreness, or a sensation of food coming back into the mouth, especially with associated nausea and difficulty swallowing. Unlike a heart attack, heartburn rarely causes sweating.

If symptoms are confusing or severe, seek medical advice to determine the cause accurately.

Common Causes of Heartburn

Frequent heartburn can result from lifestyle choices or underlying conditions. It affects individuals of all ages and can lead to serious health issues if untreated.

Key factors include:

• Excess weight and obesity
• Smoking and alcohol consumption
• Eating spicy, acidic, or greasy foods like garlic, onions, tomatoes, and citrus fruits
• Overeating or eating close to bedtime
• Sedentary lifestyle and lack of exercise

Recognizing Heartburn Chest Pain

Monitoring symptoms helps differentiate heartburn from a heart attack. Key signs include:

• Burning sensation in the chest, worsening when lying down or bending over
• Discomfort often following meals
• Bitter or acidic taste in the mouth and throat soreness
• Symptoms exacerbated by lying down; sitting upright alleviates discomfort

Seek immediate medical care if chest pain is severe, persistent, or associated with other heart attack symptoms.

Effective Management of Heartburn

Adopting a healthy lifestyle reduces heartburn episodes. Maintain a balanced diet, achieve and sustain a healthy weight, avoid smoking and alcohol, and eat at regular times. Elevating the head during sleep and avoiding trigger foods can also help. For persistent or severe symptoms, consult a healthcare professional for appropriate treatment, which may include antacids.