Take Charge of Your Health: Differentiating Between Heartburn and a Heart Attack

Don't Worry, Take Action! Differentiating Between Heartburn and a Heart Attack

Approx. 805,000 people have a heart attack each year in the US -
that's 1 person every 40 seconds!.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

About 60 million Americans get heartburn at least once a month -
up to 15 million Americans have daily symptoms of heartburn.
 - National Institute of Health

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Feeling symptoms that concern you and wondering if it could be heartburn or if it is heart-related? Maybe even a heart attack? Never hesitate to call your physician, 911, or visit the closest ER where a medical professional can rule out serious possibilities. The symptoms of a heart attack and heartburn can be very similar to one another but treatment, and its timing, are very different. Securing an accurate and timely diagnosis can be critical.

Heart Attack
A heart attack (myocardial infarction) occurs when blood to the heart is blocked, depriving the heart of blood and oxygen. The lack of oxygenated blood can damage the heart and be life-threatening. Blockage is most often due to a buildup of fat or cholesterol in the coronary arteries (the vessels that provide the blood supply to the heart muscle). These fatty, cholesterol deposits are called plaques and plaque buildup is called atherosclerosis. While some heart attacks strike suddenly, many people experience warning signs and symptoms hours, days, or even weeks in advance. As an example, chest pain or pressure called angina caused by a temporary decrease in blood flow to the heart can be an early warning sign of heart attack.

The symptoms of a heart attack vary greatly from person to person but signs can include: pressure, tightness, aches, or pain in the chest or arms that can spread to the neck, jaw, or back; shortness of breath; nausea, indigestion, heartburn; cold sweats; lightheadedness or sudden dizziness; and/or fatigue.

Different Symptoms between Men and Women
While chest pain is the most common symptom of a heart attack for both men and women, women can also experience the following symptoms with a heart attack: jaw pain, back pain, shortness of breath, weakness/dizziness, sweating, nausea, vomiting, upset stomach, anxiety, fatigue or unusual tiredness. Sometimes women do not have chest discomfort. As a result, women can tend to attribute their symptoms to conditions that are not heart related - such as the flu or even stress and anxiety. “Vague” symptoms can make a heart attack harder to recognize in women and delay critical medical treatment.

Heartburn and Indigestion
Despite its name, heartburn is not related to the heart. Heartburn (acid indigestion or acid reflux) is discomfort or pain in the chest or upper abdomen area caused by digestive acid moving into the esophagus and trachea causing irritation and inflammation. Heartburn usually occurs shortly after or within a few hours of eating. The pain may get worse if you lie down because this makes it easier for stomach acid to flow into the esophagus.

Symptoms of heartburn can include: a burning feeling in the chest behind the breastbone or in the upper abdomen; a sour and acidic taste in the mouth; a feeling that food is stuck in the middle of the chest or throat; and/or regurgitation into the throat. Heartburn can often be relieved almost immediately by taking antacids such as TUMS.

While heartburn is not usually serious on its own, if you have it often, you may have gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) - a more serious form of acid reflux that can damage the body over time. Common symptoms of GERD include: a burning sensation in the chest; regurgitation of food or sour liquid; chest pain; difficulty swallowing; and a chronic cough or hoarseness.

Deciphering Between a Heart Attack and Heartburn
While heartburn and heart attack can both cause intense feelings in the chest, people report that a heart attack most often feels like pressure, tightness, or squeezing - rather than pain. With a heart issue, the sensation can radiate up toward the shoulder, arm, and neck; whereas heartburn feels like a burning sensation in the chest and can travel to the throat. Heartburn usually improves by taking antacids, drinking water, or by standing up, while with a heart attack, pain persists with position changes, often worsens with exertion, and does not subside with antacids.

Take Control and Reduce Your Risk through a Healthy Lifestyle
Hopefully, some of these tips can help you reduce your risk of heartburn:

  • Avoid or limit alcohol, caffeine, and acidic and/or spicy foods

  • Eat smaller meals more frequently throughout the day

  • Avoid lying down right after a meal, especially when it is close to bedtime

  • Keep your head elevated when you are lying on the couch or going to sleep to prevent stomach acid from backing up

  • Wear loose-fitting clothing to relieve pressure on the stomach

To reduce your risk of heart attack:

  • Eat a healthy, balanced diet -- low in saturated fats and processed foods

  • Get daily physical activity to maintain heart health

  • Maintain a healthy weight

  • Manage your stress

  • Quit smoking

  • Limit your alcohol intake

Pay attention to your symptoms and seek professional advice. If you experience chest pain, accompanied by sweating, nausea, or shortness of breath, DO NOT WAIT, see a trusted health care professional as soon as possible.

Joan HillComment