Heartburn or Heart Attack? How to Tell the Difference
Know the warning signs and when to call 911
Know the warning signs and when to call 911
Key Takeaways
- Heartburn and heart attacks can cause similar symptoms.
- Heartburn often causes burning after meals.
- Heart attack warning signs include chest pain, nausea and shortness of breath.
- Call 911 if you suspect a heart attack, even if symptoms are mild.
You’re relaxing after a meal when you notice a burning sensation or discomfort in your chest. Is it heartburn, or could it be a heart attack?
Heartburn and heart attack can cause similar symptoms, but they have different causes. Heartburn is usually related to acid reflux, while a heart attack happens when blood flow to part of the heart is reduced or blocked.
Because symptoms can overlap, it may be difficult to tell the difference based on how you feel alone. If you have new or unexplained chest pain or discomfort, call 911.
Heart attack symptoms vary in intensity. Getting medical care promptly can help doctors determine the cause and begin treatment if needed.
“Seek medical help right away,” advises Kiyon Chung, MD, a Scripps cardiologist. “You will be checked immediately to rule out a heart attack. If your chest pain turns out to be a heart attack, doctors will work to lessen any heart damage.”
What is heartburn?
Heartburn is a burning sensation in the chest usually caused by acid reflux. Acid reflux happens when stomach contents flow back into the esophagus, the tube that carries food from your mouth to your stomach.
Despite its name, heartburn is not related to the heart.
Common symptoms may include:
- Burning discomfort behind the breastbone
- A sour or acidic taste in the mouth
- Food or liquid coming back up into the throat or mouth
- Symptoms that are noticeable after eating or when lying down
Occasional heartburn is common. If it happens often, it may be a sign of gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD.
Talk with your doctor if heartburn occurs regularly, does not improve with lifestyle changes or over-the-counter medicines, or affects your daily activities.
Is heartburn the same as indigestion?
Heartburn and indigestion are different conditions, although they can happen at the same time.
Indigestion, also called dyspepsia, usually causes symptoms in the upper abdomen. These may include:
- Pain, burning or discomfort
- Feeling full too quickly or overly full after eating
- Bloating
- Nausea
- Belching
Talk with your doctor if indigestion does not go away or keeps coming back.
What is a heart attack?
A heart attack, also called a myocardial infarction, happens when blood flow to part of the heart muscle is severely reduced or blocked.
Most heart attacks are related to coronary artery disease. Plaque can build up inside the coronary arteries, and if a plaque ruptures, a blood clot can form and reduce or block blood flow.
Without enough oxygen-rich blood, heart muscle can become damaged. Getting medical care quickly can help reduce the risk of complications.
What are the symptoms of a heart attack?
Heart attack symptoms can vary from person to person. Some start suddenly, while others develop more gradually with mild discomfort.
Warning signs may include:
- Pressure, squeezing, fullness, pain or discomfort in the center of the chest
- Pain or discomfort in one or both arms, back, neck, jaw or stomach
- Shortness of breath with or without chest discomfort
- Cold sweat
- Nausea or vomiting
- Lightheadedness
- Unusual fatigue or weakness
Chest discomfort may last more than a few minutes. It may go away and come back.
Because heart attack symptoms can overlap with heartburn or other digestive problems, symptoms alone may not make the cause clear. The location or intensity of the pain — or whether an antacid helps — should not be used to rule out a heart attack.
Are heart attack symptoms different in women?
Chest pain or discomfort is the most common heart attack symptom in both women and men. Women may also have symptoms that can be mistaken for other health problems. These may include:
- Shortness of breath
- Nausea or upset stomach
- Unusual fatigue or weakness
- Pain in the back, shoulder, arm, neck or jaw
- Lightheadedness
- Cold sweats
“Since heart attack symptoms can often seem vague in women, many may not realize when they’re having a heart attack and miss the chance to seek immediate, life-saving medical attention,” says Dr. Chung.
Seek medical care promptly if you think new or unusual symptoms could be related to a heart attack, even if chest discomfort is mild.
Heartburn or heart attack: How to tell the difference
Heartburn is more likely to cause burning behind the breastbone, often after eating or when lying down. You may also notice a sour taste or feel food or liquid coming back up.
A heart attack may cause pressure, squeezing, fullness, pain or discomfort in the chest. Other symptoms can include pain elsewhere in the upper body, shortness of breath, sweating, nausea or lightheadedness.
Because symptoms can overlap, it is not always possible to tell the difference based on symptoms alone. If chest discomfort is new or unexplained, especially with other possible heart attack symptoms, seek emergency medical care.
When should you call 911?
Call 911 immediately if you think you may be having a heart attack, even if you are not sure.
Do not drive yourself to the hospital. Emergency medical services can begin evaluating and treating you on the way to the emergency room.
“The longer you delay treatment following the onset of symptoms, the greater the risk of damage to the heart and even death,” Dr. Chung says.