Let’s Go Over The Top 5 Differences Between Heart Attack And Heartburn Pains!
Heartburn and heart attack symptoms can often be very confusing. Both conditions can cause chest pain, but both of them are entirely different conditions and have different underlying causes which only an expert can tell you whether it is heartburn or heart attack. Both of these conditions are painful and make you anxious. Although you should never hesitate to contact an expert physician for any type of chest pain, it is pretty important to know some of the most common characteristic features of both heartburn and heart attack symptoms before you initiate the necessary treatment.
What is Heartburn?
Heartburn is a burning sensation in the chest just behind your breastbone that is often caused by stomach acid rising up into the esophagus and throat. When stomach acid reaches your mouth, you may feel a sour taste along with a burning sensation down your throat. It usually occurs after a heavy meal, especially in the evenings. Occasional or infrequent heartburn symptoms are normal, although you must check with your physician if you are having repeated episodes of heartburn too frequently. He will advise you on the ways to manage and control these symptoms and also may prescribe you some over-the-counter medications to keep handy along with recommendations for any lifestyle modifications that you may need.
What is Heart Attack?
A heart attack is obviously a more severe condition that needs prompt attention and treatment as it involves your heart, the most vital organ of your body. If you have failed to identify and treat early warning signs and symptoms of heart attack that is coronary artery disease or blocked arteries, it may result in complete blockage of your arteries resulting in a heart attack which may occur any time. So, this is a more alarming condition that warrants immediate attention.
Let’s Go Over The Top 5 Differences Between Heart Attack And Heartburn Pains!
- Heart attack pain is usually constant and may be accompanied by other symptoms such as shortness of breath, anxiety, chest heaviness, sweating, and nausea. These symptoms never accompany heartburn symptoms. Heartburn on the other hand is usually sharp and temporary.
- Heart attack pain often radiates to the arms, jaws, shoulders, or neck which never happens in case of heartburn symptoms. Heartburn pain usually starts just behind the breast bone and travels upwards.
- Heart attack pain often comes on suddenly and may occur at any time of the day. It gets worse with activity and is not relieved with any antacids. On the other hand, heartburn pain is often triggered by certain foods and relieved by antacids, and is often worse after eating.
- A heart attack can occur even if you have no history of heart disease. Heartburn is more likely to occur in people with a history of heartburn or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
- A heart attack requires immediate medical attention. This must be treated as a medical emergency. Else, heartburn can easily be treated with simple lifestyle changes and over-the-counter medications.
Reach Out to Dr. Arun for Any Emergencies
Do you need to see a qualified physician to get a perfect diagnosis & treatment of any of these 2 conditions? In case of a heart attack for sure, you need a highly qualified and highly skilled interventional cardiologist such as Dr. Arun Hari to quickly diagnose and properly treat with the highest standard of care on an emergency basis that you need.
