According to health experts, people who suddenly experience chest pain should not take it for granted. You must seek immediate medical care if you feel any chest pain. However, it can sometimes be heartburn only. So, when do you draw the line between a heart attack and heartburn?
A heart attack occurs when there is a blockage in one of the arteries supplying the heart. On the other hand, heartburn is a burning pain in the upper belly or lower chest due to stomach acid going up the food pipe.
As both can be quite similar, it’s essential to know how to distinguish one from another and know when you need to call a doctor.
What to know about a heart attack
A heart attack happens due to a condition in one or several of the coronary arteries. These blood vessels serve to supply your heart with blood for oxygen and energy. When they are blocked, the blood supply is restricted, resulting in a sudden heart attack. If left unattended, it can lead to a cardiac arrest.
Symptoms of a heart attack
It helps to be wary of some symptoms of an upcoming heart attack so that you can immediately take prompt actions. Here are some of the classic symptoms:
- Chest pain (pressure, squeezing, heaviness, tightness, fullness, or ache)
- Chest pain (a heavyweight crushing against the chest)
- Intermittent pain (last for more than a few minutes but may come and go)
The actual heart attack often is associated with the following symptoms as well:
- Having shortness of breath
- Feeling sick or nauseous
- Vomiting
- Breaking out in a cold sweat
- Being dizzy or lightheaded
- Feeling very tired
What to know about heartburn
It’s worth knowing that heartburn is actually a symptom, not a disease. It is described as the sensation caused by acid reflux, where your stomach content splashes up into the food pipe.
Your stomach produces substances to protect its lining from the acid. Unfortunately, acid reflux can damage its linings and cause pain that may appear in your chest. Ultimately, heartburn is not related to the heart in any way.
Heartburn symptoms
Heartburn generally creates a burning sensation in the food pipe. When you have this burning sensation, you may experience the following symptoms:
- Nausea
- Bloating
- Belching
Also, take note of the following:
- It gets worse after eating and when lying down, which is similar to a heart attack.
- It is relieved when a medication is taken to reduce acid levels in the stomach.
- It does not cause more general symptoms, such as breathlessness, as compared to a heart attack.
- It causes bloating or belching, but these do not happen with a heart attack.
Heart Attack vs. Heartburn: When to call a doctor
Now that the difference between a heart attack and heartburn has been established, you want to know when to call a doctor should you experience chest pain.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), you should call an emergency doctor once you experience the following:
- Chest pain or discomfort
- Pain or discomfort in other parts of the body (arms, back, jaw, neck, or stomach)
- Shortness of breath
- Cold sweat
- Nausea and dizziness
- Other sign mentioned above (refer to heart attack symptoms)
Conclusion
Heartburn and heart attack pain can be similar. However, if you doubt whether the pain is a heart attack or mere heartburn, it’s best to call for an ambulance. Ultimately, anyone worried about chest pain should get urgent medical care.
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