Telling the Difference Between Heartburn and a Heart Attack

Most people are rightfully very concerned whenever they experience chest pains. You should be aware that just because you have pain in your chest doesn't mean that there's a problem with your heart. Chest pains can also be caused by heartburn, which generally isn't a serious medical issue. Frequent cases of heartburn may cause you to ignore chest pains as another episode. If you've never had it before, you need to understand what's happening in order to avoid panic. In the crucial minutes after chest pain starts, you need to be able to recognize what's really taking place in order to respond correctly.

You should already know that heartburn doesn't have anything to do with the heart. Heartburn is only called that because the pain it causes is located in the chest. It's actually caused by excess stomach acid being forced back up into the esophagus where it damages sensitive tissues and causes pain. There are a number of different reasons why people suffer from heartburn, and most of them are in relation to something they have eaten, drank, or smoked. You may also develop the condition if you lay down too soon after eating something. You should be able to tell the difference from a heart attack since heartburn typically occurs after eating something.

You should try to learn the symptoms of both conditions. You'll usually have a burning sensation right behind your breastbone. Heart attacks, on the other hand, often causes pain that radiates into the neck, shoulders, arms, jaw, or back and can present a squeezing feeling in the chest. You need to know, though, that heartburn can sometimes cause some of these other symptoms, so if in doubt, see your doctor.

Patients who experience chronic bouts of heartburn may also notice a cough and sore throat, swallowing problems, and hoarseness which are not symptoms of a heart attack. Heartburn can be treated with antacid tablets quickly, although they'll do nothing for a heart attack. Sweating, dizziness, weakness, and shortness of breath are other symptoms of a heart attack.

When it comes to a heart attack, it's important to act quickly. If antacids don't clear up the problem in short order, you need to get to the emergency room as soon as possible. Doc No.lsdhhsdlh-sdlkjhsgd

Kristie Brown writes on a variety of topics from health to technology. Check out her websites on How to get rid of heartburn and Stop heartburn