Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsHeartburn vs. Heart Attack SymptomsCausesHow to Tell the DifferenceOther Causes of Chest PainHow to Relieve HeartburnHeart Attack TreatmentWhen to Contact Emergency Services
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Heartburn vs. Heart Attack Symptoms
Causes
How to Tell the Difference
Other Causes of Chest Pain
How to Relieve Heartburn
Heart Attack Treatment
When to Contact Emergency Services
Because heartburn (acid reflux) can cause chest pain, knowing the difference between heartburn and a heart attack can be challenging. Aheart attack(myocardial infarction) is a medical emergency that occurs when blood flow to the heart muscle is reduced or blocked.
One of the symptoms of a heart attack is chest pain, but this doesn’t always mean that someone clutches at their chest in pain like in the movies. Seek emergency care immediately for chest pain that comes on suddenly or that occurs along with nausea and/or pain in the shoulders.
This article will explain the differences between a heart attack and heartburn and when chest pain or other symptoms are a reason to go to the nearest emergency room.
Emergency Signs of a Heart AttackPeople who are experiencing the following symptoms of a heart attack should call 911 or go to the closest emergency room:Chest pain or discomfort (pressure, squeezing, or fullness in the center of the chest that lasts more than a few minutes)Dizziness or lightheadednessNauseaPain radiating into the arms (one or both), back, neck, jaw, or bellyShortness of breathSweating/breaking out in a cold sweat
Emergency Signs of a Heart Attack
People who are experiencing the following symptoms of a heart attack should call 911 or go to the closest emergency room:Chest pain or discomfort (pressure, squeezing, or fullness in the center of the chest that lasts more than a few minutes)Dizziness or lightheadednessNauseaPain radiating into the arms (one or both), back, neck, jaw, or bellyShortness of breathSweating/breaking out in a cold sweat
People who are experiencing the following symptoms of a heart attack should call 911 or go to the closest emergency room:
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Thesymptoms of heartburnanda heart attackhave some overlap. Telling the difference between them can be difficult, but it is important because a heart attack will need emergency medical attention. If there’s any concern that symptoms may be from a heart attack and not from heartburn, seek care at an emergency room immediately.
Symptoms of a heart attack may happen suddenly, but that’s not always the case. There could beearly warning signs. One of these early signs isangina, which is when the blood flow to the heart decreases temporarily. Angina causes chest pain and pressure, which may happen repeatedly.
People may have one or more of several symptoms when they are having a heart attack. The symptoms of a heart attack can include.
Acid reflux can also cause symptoms of:
Treating GERD and Back Pain Together
Heart Attack vs. Acid Reflux Symptoms in Females
Heart disease is the leading cause of death in women in the United States.However, women might not be recognizing the symptoms and instead think that the signs are from acid reflux.Females can experience symptoms of a heart attackthat are different from those of males.
The most common symptom of a heart attack in women is chest pain.Heart attack pain in women may feel sharp and be located in the neck, arm, or back. Women may also be more likely to experience fatigue, shortness of breath, nausea and/or vomiting, and pain in the back or the jaw.
A Note on Gender and Sex TerminologyVerywell Health acknowledges thatsex and genderare related concepts, but they are not the same. To accurately reflect our sources, this article uses terms like “female,” “male,” “woman,” and “man” as the sources use them.
A Note on Gender and Sex Terminology
Verywell Health acknowledges thatsex and genderare related concepts, but they are not the same. To accurately reflect our sources, this article uses terms like “female,” “male,” “woman,” and “man” as the sources use them.
Why Do Heart Attacks and Heartburn Happen?
The causes of heart attacks andcauses of heartburnare different. However, some risk factors overlap.
Heart Attacks
A major cause of heart attacks is plaque buildup (atherosclerosis), which narrows or blocks the arteries, preventing them from bringing enough blood to the heart. Coronary artery disease is when these blockages affect the arteries that bring blood to the heart muscle.
Other reasons for heart attacks are:
Silent Heart AttackWhen there are few symptoms of a heart attack, they are mild, or they aren’t understood or diagnosed, this is known as asilent heart attack. Unfortunately, a delayed diagnosis can result in less positive outcomes.Take chest pain seriously, seek care, and advocate for yourself when something doesn’t seem right.
Silent Heart Attack
When there are few symptoms of a heart attack, they are mild, or they aren’t understood or diagnosed, this is known as asilent heart attack. Unfortunately, a delayed diagnosis can result in less positive outcomes.Take chest pain seriously, seek care, and advocate for yourself when something doesn’t seem right.
Heartburn
Heartburnhappens when the group of muscles at the lower end of theesophagus(the food tube), called the lower esophageal sphincter, becomes weakened. This may result in the stomach contents coming back up into the esophagus, calledgastroesophageal reflux (GER), which can cause heartburn.
It can happen once in a while or becomesevereand/or chronic (long-lasting), when it might begastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
Some of the risk factors for heartburn and/or GERD include:
Heartburn vs. Heart Attack: How to Tell the Difference
The symptoms of heartburn and a heart attack can be similar. Chest pain, in particular, can be sudden and severe. It can help to remember that heartburn is related to digestion and not to the heart.
What Makes Your Symptoms Better?
Taking medicines that target heartburn or indigestion may improve symptoms. Over-the-counter (OTC)antacidsandprescription or OTC acid-reducing medicationsmay help.
Heartburn can also come on or feel worse when lying flat or bending over. Sitting upright or standing may help to prevent heartburn after eating or make the discomfort feel better.
Drinking WaterDrinking water or other fluids or eating foods that contain a lot of water may dilute the stomach acid that contributes to acid reflux or heartburn. Some choices for food or drink that may have this effect include water infused with cucumbers, lemon juice, or honey; herbal teas (without caffeine or additives); watermelon; cucumbers; and celery.
Drinking Water
Drinking water or other fluids or eating foods that contain a lot of water may dilute the stomach acid that contributes to acid reflux or heartburn. Some choices for food or drink that may have this effect include water infused with cucumbers, lemon juice, or honey; herbal teas (without caffeine or additives); watermelon; cucumbers; and celery.
When Did You Last Eat?
Heartburn could come on after eating a large meal or one that is extremely spicy. If the symptoms start after eating a lot of food or spicy food, they could be related to heartburn.
Does the Pain Radiate?
The location of pain can also help you understand what may be causing it. Pain that radiates beyond the chest and into the arm, shoulders, neck, back, or jaw is a symptom of a heart attack. Heartburn pain can be felt in the chest and the throat but does not usually radiate to other parts of the upper body.
Are You Short of Breath or Sweating?
Symptoms of a heart attack include being short of breath and sweating or having clammy skin. These don’t happen to everyone, but they are possible signs. People experiencing heartburn don’t experience these symptoms as part of that condition.
Are You Bloated or Belching?
Abdominal bloating and belching (burping) can come on after eating a large meal or one that is heavily spiced or fatty.These symptoms can be related to chronic acid reflux.They are not commonly listed as symptoms of a heart attack.
Other Potential Causes of Chest Pain
Potentially confusing the difference between heartburn and a heart attack further: There are many other potential causes of chest pain. Sometimes,what is causing the painmay be clear, especially if it has happened before. But if there is any question about chest pain, call 911 or seek attention at an emergency room.
Some of the other causes of chest pain can include:
How to Relieve Heartburn At Home
There are many potential ways to ease the burning and pain from heartburn withhome remediesorover-the-counter medicines. These can include:
How Heart Attacks Are Treated
Heart attacks may be treated in different ways. All of these treatments take place in a hospital with the help of a healthcare team. A heart attack is an emergency that needs immediate treatment.
Percutaneous Coronary Intervention
Stenting
Astentis a small mesh tube. It might be placed inside an artery that has narrowed or has a weak section to hold it open.
Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting
Heart-Healthy Lifestyle
Prevention is another big part of treating heart disease. People who have had a heart attack may be at risk for another. For that reason, changingdiet and lifestylecould be recommended to avoid another incident or complications.
Call 911 or go to an emergency room if you’re experiencing the symptoms of a heart attack. The symptoms don’t always come on suddenly; they could start slowly. Don’t wait to get care if you think that these symptoms could be from a heart attack.
Some people may worry about going to the emergency department for symptoms that don’t turn out to be from a heart attack. But it is always better to get checked out for worrying symptoms.
Symptoms that are a reason to get healthcare right away include:
Summary
Chest pain is the most common symptom of a heart attack. It can be difficult to distinguish what is causing the pain and if it could be from a less serious cause such as heartburn, indigestion, or GERD.
Symptoms of a heart attack and heartburn have differences, but not every person who is experiencing either of these conditions has the same types of symptoms. The signs and symptoms of a heart attack in women might be different than they are in men.
People who are having chest pain or other symptoms of a heart attack should seek emergency care.
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Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
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National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute.Heart attack treatment.
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