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How To Differentiate Between Heartburn And A Heart Attack? Know From Expert

Chest pain can be a scary symptom that may make you wonder if you are having a heart attack or just heartburn. While both conditions can cause discomfort in the chest, they have very different causes and treatments. Knowing how to tell the difference between heartburn and heart attack can help you seek the right medical care and prevent serious complications.

Speaking exclusively to the editorial team of Onlymyhealth, Dr. Mohit Tandon, Consultant Non Invasive Cardiologist, Fortis Escorts Hospital, Okhla –New-Delhi explains how to differentiate between heartburn and a heart attack. Here is what he shared with us.

What is heartburn?

Heartburn is a common symptom of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), also known as acid reflux. GERD develops when the acidic contents of the stomach reverse their flow and move upward into the oesophagus, which serves as the conduit connecting the mouth and the stomach.This can irritate the lining of the oesophagus and cause a burning sensation in the chest, usually after eating or lying down. Sometimes, the acid can also reach the throat and mouth, causing a sour or bitter taste.

Heartburn is not a serious condition in most cases, and it can be treated with lifestyle changes and over-the-counter medications. However, frequent or severe heartburn can be a sign of a more serious problem, such as an ulcer, a hiatal hernia, or esophageal cancer. Therefore, it is important to see a doctor if your heartburn does not improve with home remedies or if you have other symptoms, such as difficulty swallowing, weight loss, vomiting, or bleeding.

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What is a heart attack?

A heart attack, also known as a myocardial infarction, is a life-threatening medical emergency that occurs when one or more of the coronary arteries that supply blood and oxygen to the heart muscle become blocked. This can damage or destroy part of the heart muscle and impair its function. A heart attack can be caused by various factors, such as atherosclerosis (plaque buildup in the arteries), blood clots, coronary artery spasm, or cocaine use.

A heart attack requires immediate medical attention to restore blood flow to the heart and prevent further damage or death. The treatment may include medications, such as aspirin, nitroglycerin, or clot-busting drugs; or procedures, such as angioplasty (opening the blocked artery with a balloon or stent) or coronary bypass surgery (creating a new route for blood flow around the blocked artery).

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How to differentiate between heartburn and heart attack?

Heartburn and heart attack can have some similar symptoms, such as chest pain or discomfort. However, there are also some key differences that can help you distinguish between them:

1. Location of pain

Heartburn usually causes pain in the middle or upper part of the chest, while a heart attack typically causes pain in the centre or left side of the chest.

2. Quality of pain

Heartburn usually causes a burning sensation that may come and go with food intake or body position, while a heart attack usually causes a pressure, tightness, or squeezing sensation that may last for several minutes or longer.

3. Radiation of pain

Heartburn usually does not spread to other parts of the body, while a heart attack may radiate to the shoulders, arms, neck, jaw, or back.

4. Other symptoms

Heartburn may be accompanied by a sour or bitter taste in the mouth, regurgitation of food or acid, or difficulty swallowing, while a heart attack may be accompanied by shortness of breath, nausea, vomiting, sweating, dizziness, or fainting.

When in doubt, seek medical help

If you are not sure whether your chest pain is caused by heartburn or a heart attack, it is better to be safe than sorry and seek emergency medical help. Do not ignore your symptoms or try to self-diagnose them. A delay in treatment can have serious consequences for your health and survival.

Some tips to prevent or reduce your risk of heartburn and heart attack include:

Avoid foods and drinks that trigger acid reflux, such as spicy foods, fatty foods, citrus fruits, coffee, alcohol, or chocolate.

Eat smaller and more frequent meals instead of large ones.

Do not lie down or bend over soon after eating.

Raise the head of your bed by six inches (15 cm) to prevent acid from flowing back into your oesophagus.

Quit smoking and avoid exposure to secondhand smoke.

Maintain a healthy weight and exercise regularly.

Manage your stress levels and practice relaxation techniques.

Control your blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar levels.

Take medications as prescribed by your doctor for any underlying conditions that may increase your risk of heart disease.

Follow up with your doctor regularly and report any new or worsening symptoms.

Unveiling The Silent Signs Of Heart Attacks

ORLANDO, Fla. – Every 40 seconds someone in America has a heart attack and over 800,000 people die every year from heart attacks. One in five heart attacks is silent, meaning blockage of blood flow to the heart starts and the person is completely unaware.

Many of the silent warning signs could make the difference between life and death.

"Over half the people that are going to die in America are going to die of cardiovascular disease," said Dr. Jeff Schussler, an Interventional Cardiologist & Medical Director of the Cardiovascular ICU at Baylor Scott & White Health.

The known symptoms are rapid chest pains, but that's not always the case.

"I had a patient who had a toothache that turned out to be her symptom of having a heart attack," Said Dr. Annabelle Volgman, Medical Director at Rush Heart Center for Women.

There are many lesser-known signs of a heart attack. Silent signs that may come on more gradually include things such as toothaches, cold sweats, pain in the arms, neck, or jaw, and difficulty digesting. Also, sudden bursts of anxiety or feelings of impending doom.

And while heart attacks are more common in men, women are more likely to experience gradual and lesser-known symptoms and are more likely to die.

Early symptoms occur in 50% of cardiovascular health issues and are ignored. While heart attacks most commonly occur in middle age, anyone at any age can experience a cardiac emergency.

Copyright 2023 by Ivanhoe Newswire - All rights reserved.

This Is The Difference Between 'heartburn' And 'heart Attack', The Pain Of Both Spreads In The Body In This Way!

When it comes to chest pain, distinguishing between heartburn and a heart attack is a matter of life and death. Both conditions can induce chest discomfort, but they are fundamentally divergent in origin, gravity, and treatment. It is imperative to differentiate between these two to ensure the right course of action. This comprehensive guide elucidates the disparities between heartburn and a heart attack, encompassing symptoms, etiology, and risk factors.

H3: Deciphering Heartburn H4: Unpacking the Essence of Heartburn

Heartburn is a prevalent gastrointestinal ailment, characterized by a burning sensation that surfaces in the chest or throat. This discomfort is the result of stomach acid regurgitating into the esophagus, causing irritation and unease.

H4: Heartburn's Symptomatic Language

Burning Sensation in the Chest or Throat

Sour Taste Lingering in the Mouth

Regurgitation of Stomach Contents

Belching, Often Followed by Relief

Discomfort Heightened After Eating or While Recumbent

H4: Unearthing the Underlying Causes

Various factors can ignite heartburn, including:

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)

Consumption of Spicy or Fatty Foods

Overindulgence in Food

Obesity

Pregnancy

Hiatal Hernia

H4: Tactics to Alleviate Heartburn

Managing heartburn effectively involves employing the following strategies:

Over-the-Counter Antacids

Implementing Lifestyle Modifications, Including Dietary Adjustments

Prescription Medications for Severe Cases

Steering Clear of Trigger Foods

H3: Exploring a Heart Attack H4: The Essence of a Heart Attack

Conversely, a heart attack, medically known as a myocardial infarction, is a life-threatening event where blood flow to the heart muscle becomes severely restricted or obstructed, leading to damage or death of heart tissue.

H4: Symptomatology of a Heart Attack

Recognizing a heart attack is critical, as it entails symptoms such as:

Crushing Chest Pain or Overwhelming Pressure

Radiating Pain, Usually to the Left Arm, Shoulder, or Jaw

Breathlessness

Nausea and Vomiting

Cold Sweats

Dizziness or Fainting Spells

H4: The Root Causes

Several factors can precipitate a heart attack, including:

Coronary Artery Disease

Atherosclerosis

Formation of Blood Clots

Smoking

High Blood Pressure

Diabetes

Family History

H4: Immediate Response to a Heart Attack

Timely intervention can be life-saving during a heart attack:

Dial 911 Immediately

Chew Aspirin if Advised by a Healthcare Provider

Maintain Calmness and Avoid Physical Exertion

Use an Automated External Defibrillator, if Available

Comply with Medical Instructions Diligently

H2: Unveiling the Disparities H3: Location of Pain

Heartburn: Pain chiefly resides in the chest and may extend to the throat.

Heart Attack: Pain originates in the chest but typically radiates to the left arm, shoulder, or jaw.

H3: Nature of Pain

Heartburn: Characterized by a burning sensation or discomfort.

Heart Attack: Manifests as intense, crushing pain or pressure.

H3: Duration of Pain

Heartburn: Pain is often fleeting and can be alleviated with antacids or positional adjustments.

Heart Attack: Pain persists, often lasting more than a few minutes.

H3: Additional Symptoms

Heartburn: Accompanied by a sour taste in the mouth, belching, and regurgitation.

Heart Attack: Presents with shortness of breath, nausea, cold sweats, and dizziness.

H2: Factors Predisposing to These Conditions H3: Heartburn Risk Factors

Dietary Choices

Obesity

Pregnancy

Hiatal Hernia

H3: Heart Attack Risk Factors

Smoking Habits

High Blood Pressure

Elevated Cholesterol Levels

Diabetes

Family History of Heart Disease

H2: In Conclusion

In summation, while both heartburn and heart attacks can manifest as chest pain, distinguishing between them is paramount. Heartburn typically results from gastrointestinal issues like acid reflux, whereas a heart attack is a life-threatening cardiovascular event. Recognizing the symptoms, triggers, and risk factors empowers individuals to make informed decisions when seeking medical assistance.

Always remember that if you experience severe chest pain or suspect a heart attack, calling 911 without delay is crucial. Swift and appropriate action can be the difference between life and death.

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