Know the Signs - Could It Be a Heart Attack or Just Heartburn?
Chest pain can be alarming, but how do you know if it’s a heart attack or heartburn? While both can cause discomfort, understanding the differences could save your life – or at least bring you peace of mind. Let’s break it down so you can recognize the signs and take the right action.
Understanding Heartburn and Heart Attacks
Heartburn happens when stomach acid flows back into the esophagus, causing a burning sensation in the chest. It’s common and often triggered by certain foods, stress, or lying down too soon after eating.
A heart attack, on the other hand, occurs when blood flow to the heart is blocked, leading to potentially life-threatening damage. While both can cause chest discomfort, the symptoms and causes are very different.
Key Differences Between Heartburn and a Heart Attack
1. Type of Pain
- Heartburn: A burning sensation in the chest that may move up to the throat or leave a sour taste in the mouth.
- Heart Attack: Pressure, tightness, or squeezing pain that may spread to the arms, back, neck, or jaw.
2. Triggers and Timing
- Heartburn: Often worsens after eating, especially spicy or fatty foods, or when lying down.
- Heart Attack: Can happen anytime, often triggered by physical exertion or stress, but not by food.
3. Relief Methods
- Heartburn: Usually improves with antacids, water, or standing up.
- Heart Attack: Pain persists despite position changes or medication.
4. Other Symptoms
- Heartburn: May include bloating, burping, or regurgitation.
- Heart Attack: May include shortness of breath, cold sweats, nausea, dizziness, or fatigue.
Risk Factors – Who’s More at Risk?
Heartburn is common and can affect anyone, but heart attacks are more likely if you have risk factors like:
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol
- Diabetes
- Smoking
- Family history of heart disease
- Sedentary lifestyle
- Stress
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), someone in the U.S. has a heart attack every 40 seconds. This makes recognizing the symptoms even more important.
When to Seek Emergency Care
If you’re unsure whether your chest pain is heartburn or a heart attack, seek medical help immediately – don’t wait.
- Call 911 if the pain is severe, lasts longer than a few minutes, or is accompanied by shortness of breath, dizziness, or cold sweats.
- If heartburn symptoms persist despite treatment or worsen over time, consult a doctor.
How to Reduce Your Risk
While heartburn and heart attacks have different causes, making healthy lifestyle choices can help prevent both.
- Eat heart-healthy foods – Avoid excessive fats, caffeine, and alcohol. Include more fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
- Stay active – Regular exercise strengthens the heart and helps with digestion.
- Manage stress – Practice relaxation techniques like deep breathing or meditation.
- Maintain a healthy weight – Excess weight increases your risk of both acid reflux and heart disease.
- Don’t smoke – Smoking damages blood vessels and increases acid reflux.
Take Charge of Your Health
Your health should never be a guessing game – when in doubt, seek medical attention. Whether it’s a heart attack or heartburn, persistent or severe chest pain should never be ignored. At Physicians Premier, our team is ready to provide expert care when you need it most. Find your nearest location here and get the help you deserve.
Sources:
“Heartburn,” Mayo Clinic, https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/heartburn/symptoms-causes/syc-20373223
“Heart attack,” Mayo Clinic, https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/heart-attack/symptoms-causes/syc-20373106
“How to tell the difference between heartburn and heart attack,” UC Davis Health, https://health.ucdavis.edu/blog/cultivating-health/how-to-tell-the-difference-between-heartburn-and-heart-attack/2024/07
“Understand Your Risks to Prevent a Heart Attack,” American Heart Association, https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/heart-attack/understand-your-risks-to-prevent-a-heart-attack
“Heart Disease Facts,” Heart Disease Facts, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, https://www.cdc.gov/heart-disease/data-research/facts-stats/index.html
“Strategies to prevent heart disease,” Mayo Clinic, https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/heart-disease/in-depth/heart-disease-prevention/art-20046502
