There is no doubt that there is a big difference between heartburn from an acidic meal and a heart attack, but a pain in the chest is a pain in the chest. Sometimes when you don’t feel well, its hard to tell if the problem is a large one or a small one.
Heartburn is a symptom of stomach acid making its way back up into your esophagus. There is a little valve in your esophagus that keeps stomach acid from going where it shouldn’t, but sometimes the valve can weaken and let some pass through. This causes a burning sensation in your chest, hence the name heartburn. Heartburn that happens frequently and severely is called acid reflux disease or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Acid reflux is a more serious issue that can lead to serious issues – like esophageal cancer.
A heart attack can feel the same as severe heartburn, but it is an immediate concern. Heart attacks are not symptoms, but the problem themselves and are life-threatening. So, what exactly does a heart attack feel like? According to the MayoClinic, be on the lookout for the following signs of a heart attack:
- Sudden pressure, tightening, squeezing or crushing pain in the center of the chest that lasts more than a few minutes
- Pain spreading to the back, neck, jaw, shoulders or arms — especially the left arm
- Chest discomfort accompanied by shortness of breath, sweating, dizziness or nausea
- Pressure or tightness in the chest during physical activity or when you’re under emotional stress