Is It Indigestion or Heart Attack?
How to tell difference between heartburn and heart attack
How to tell difference between heartburn and heart attack
You’re relaxing at home after a delicious meal. You notice you don’t feel quite right. You have an upset stomach. There is a burning sensation in your chest area.
Is it heartburn from indigestion? Could it be a heart attack?
Chest discomfort is the most common symptom of a heart attack, which can be life-threatening. But it can also be a sign of heartburn, which has nothing to do with the heart and is a common symptom of indigestion.
It can sometimes be difficult to tell one from the other. Learning the difference can help you protect your heart health and know when to seek medical attention.
“If you’re not sure if it’s heartburn or a heart attack, and your chest pain is persistent seek medical help right away,” says 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.”
If you have indigestion, make sure it doesn’t become a chronic problem. You can find quick relief with an over-the-counter antacid or other medicine.
What is indigestion?
Indigestion, or dyspepsia, is a term for discomfort or pain in the upper abdomen. It often happens after eating or drinking. One common symptom of indigestion is heartburn, which feels like a burning sensation or pressure in the chest.
Despite its name, heartburn is not related to the heart. It usually happens because of acid reflux. This occurs when stomach acid flows back into the esophagus, the food pipe that connects the throat to the stomach.
This backflow can irritate the lining of the esophagus and lead to a sensation in your chest that mimics the pain of a heart attack. In some cases, the acid can travel as far up as your throat, leaving a bitter or acidic taste in your mouth. Other symptoms include bloating, nausea, burping and a feeling of fullness.
Many foods and lifestyle habits can trigger or worsen indigestion. These include spicy or fatty foods and acidic foods and drinks. Drinking alcohol or caffeine, smoking and eating large meals too fast or eating near bedtime can also cause problems.
See your doctor if you have recurring heartburn. They can check if you have gastroesophageal reflux disease or GERD or another digestive issue. They can also recommend treatments of lifestyle changes to help manage your symptoms.
What is a heart attack?
A heart attack , also known as a myocardial infarction, happens when blood flow to a part of the heart muscle is blocked.
This blockage is often due to plaque buildup in the coronary arteries. Plaque consists of fatty deposits, cholesterol and other substances.
If a plaque ruptures, a blood clot can form at the site. This clot may block blood flow, cutting off oxygen and nutrients to part of the heart muscle. Without quick treatment, that section of the heart muscle can become damaged or die, leading to a heart attack.
It can be difficult to tell heartburn from a heart attack, in part because the esophagus is located near the heart. However, there are important differences in the symptoms and causes of each.
Symptoms of heart attack
The type of chest discomfort in a heart attack is different than what is typically experienced with indigestion.
The classic symptoms of a heart attack are:
- Crushing pain or pressure in the center of the chest
- Pain or tightness that spreads to the back, neck, jaw, shoulder or arms
- Severe shortness of breath
Other symptoms may include cold sweats, nausea, lightheadedness or a sudden onset of anxiety.
Both heart attack and heartburn can cause a burning or squeezing feeling in the chest and upper abdomen. However, heart attack symptoms are typically more intense, last longer and do not improve with antacids or rest.
It’s important to remember that symptoms can show up differently in women, older adults, and people with diabetes. Women are more likely than men to have atypical symptoms, which can make a heart attack harder to recognize and delay critical treatment. These can include unusual fatigue, indigestion, back pain and shortness of breath, instead of the classic chest pain.
“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.
When to call 911
Knowing when to act can be lifesaving. If you’re unsure whether you’re experiencing symptoms of heartburn or symptoms of a heart attack, the safest move is to call 911 immediately. Do not attempt to drive yourself to the hospital.
Getting to the emergency department or emergency room quickly can greatly improve your chances of survival. It can also limit the damage to your heart.
“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.
Even if the symptoms are acid reflux or GERD, it’s best to be safe. Let trained professionals decide.
“Don’t brush off symptoms or wait to see if they get worse. Seek medical care right away.”