Heartburn or chest pain: When is it heart attack?
You have just eaten a big meal and feel a burning sensation in your chest. Heartburn, right? Probably, but there is a chance the chest pain-a warning sign of a heart attack.
Very often we cannot distinguish between heartburn and chest pain. They are different but can feel very much similar. Understanding the difference between heartburn and something more serious may be a matter of life and death.
Heartburn is not a disease but a symptom. You will notice a burning sensation in your chest that may start in your upper abdomen and radiate all the way to your neck. Sometimes, stomach acid that regurgitates into the esophagus can leave a sour taste in your mouth — especially when you are lying down.
Excess weight, overeating or lying down soon after a meal may cause it to open slightly. Certain foods, as well as overindulgence in alcohol or caffeine, increase production of stomach acid and help regurgitation in lower esophagus.
How would you know if it is your heart?
Sudden pressure, tightening, squeezing or crushing pain in the center of the chest that lasts more than a few minutes and the pain spreading to the back, neck, jaw, shoulders or arms — especially the left arm indicate heart disease. Chest discomforts accompanied by shortness of breath, sweating, dizziness or nausea, pressure or tightness in the chest during physical activity or when you are under emotional stress are the signs of heart ailments. When should you seek medical help?
Occasional bouts of heartburn are common. If you have persistent heartburn consult a doctor. Your heartburn may be a symptom of Gastro Esophageal Reflux Disease (GERD). If you experience unusual chest discomfort and you have had a heart attack before, have heart disease or diabetes, smoke, are overweight or have high cholesterol. Proper diagnosis and prompt treatment may save your life.
Sudden pressure, tightening, squeezing or crushing pain in the center of the chest that lasts more than a few minutes and the pain spreading to the back, neck, jaw, shoulders or arms — especially the left arm indicate heart disease. Chest discomforts accompanied by shortness of breath, sweating, dizziness or nausea, pressure or tightness in the chest during physical activity or when you are under emotional stress are the signs of heart ailments. When should you seek medical help?
Occasional bouts of heartburn are common. If you have persistent heartburn consult a doctor. Your heartburn may be a symptom of Gastro Esophageal Reflux Disease (GERD). If you experience unusual chest discomfort and you have had a heart attack before, have heart disease or diabetes, smoke, are overweight or have high cholesterol. Proper diagnosis and prompt treatment may save your life.
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