It may even require an ECG or stress test to check if it’s your heart.” “It’s hard because the symptoms might be similar,” agrees Sauer. In that situation, it can be difficult to tell the difference between reflux or heart disease,” says Patterson. “Sometimes, people may have a meal and then go out for a walk. If it’s exertional in nature, seeking immediate medical assistance and seeing your primary care doctor about it is the right thing to do.” Heartburn or Heart Attack: Knowing the Signsĭifferentiating simple heartburn from heart disease symptoms can be challenging. The number one thing is making sure it’s not a cardiac issue. “Heartburn is in the area of the heart and lungs, so determining the cause of symptoms can be confusing. If you’re in that situation, the best thing to do is stop exerting yourself, sit down and rest and, if it doesn’t go away, call 911 if it’s severe or call your doctor if it’s not,” advises Patterson.īryan Sauer, MD, a member of UVA’s gastroenterology team, agrees. “But chest pain or burning that occurs with or just after exercise or exertion, and has nothing to do with a meal, is more concerning for a problem with the heart. Sometimes chocolate or wine can cause it,” says Brandy Patterson, MD, a member of UVA’s heart and vascular team. “The symptoms of reflux usually occur after a meal, in particular, acidic meals or greasy meals. Gauging That Heatīe mindful of when symptoms occur and what other activities you were engaged in at the time. If you’re experiencing pain or burning in your chest, how do you know it’s just heartburn and not something more? We spoke with a pair of UVA doctors for some clarity. A heart attack, a condition in which the heart muscle is deprived of oxygen because of blocked blood vessels, can strike suddenly and be fatal if not treated promptly. It is one of the top causes of death for Americans. Heart disease is life-threatening and is diagnosed in about 12 percent of Americans (according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention). Taking an over-the-counter antacid can bring relief in moments.Ĭhest pain, however, is also a common sign of heart disease.
When you have heartburn, some of the acid in your stomach comes up into your esophagus, causing that pain. It is a symptom of gastroesophageal reflux that you typically feel as pain or burning in the chest. In fact, I experienced it myself shortly after dinner last night. Heartburn is a very common condition that affects about 42 percent of Americans. Heartburn that doesn’t get better can be a sign of something more serious.
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