Chest pain: Senior cardiologist explains the key differences — when to worry and when it’s just acidity

People often mistake cardiac pain for acidity. A senior cardiologist says any chest pressure that spreads or comes with unease should be taken seriously, not brushed off as indigestion.(Images: Pexels)

Chest pain is one of the most frightening and immediate thoughts that come to peoples’ minds when experiencing it, as it immediately conjures up thoughts about heart attacks. Although such a reaction is understandable, the fact remains that not all chest pain is heart-related. The truth is that many cases observed in emergency rooms come from people with digestive disorders such as acidity, acid reflux and gastritis.

That doesn’t mean, though, that you should let a case of chest pain go unchecked. The task is knowing when it’s merely benign acidity and when the symptom is a lethal cardiac event.

“While it’s helpful for people to know the differences and potential warning signs, knowing what could be a minor discomfort or when to seek medical help is key. A lot of patients rush to the hospital fearing heart attack but almost 40-45% of the cases suffer from gastric reflux or acidity,” informs Dr Arvind Sharma, senior cardiologist at Medico Healthcare Global, Udaipur. “The risk, though, is to shrug off all chest pain as acidity and miss life-saving treatment for the genuine heart problems,” he told Moneycontrol.

Also read: World Heart Day 2025: Why women do not pay attention to their heart attacks?

Chest pain in relation to acid is mostly burning, aggravating after meals and relieving with antacids. Typically, it remains localized and does not travel to the arm, neck or jaw. Meanwhile, heart-related chest pain — known as angina — tends to involve pressure, fullness, or squeezing that’s sometimes brought on by physical activity and relieved by rest. It may spread to other areas of the body and can cause sweating, nausea or shortness of breath.

Important distinctions between acidity, chest pain & cardiac CP

• Acidity-Related chest pain

• Burning sensation behind the breastbone

• Exacerbated after hot or rich food

• Improves with antacids

• Not typically associated with exertion

• Does not radiate to the arm, jaw, or back.

• Cardiac-Related chest pain

• Pressure, heaviness, or squeezing sensation

• Triggered by exertion or stress

• Does not improve with antacids

• May spread to arm, neck or jaw

• Frequently associated with sweating, nausea or shortness of breath.

Also read: World Heart Day 2025: Doctors reveal how local food can heal, and save you from heart disease

FAQs about chest pain: 

1. What should I do if I experience chest pain?

It’s important to seek medical attention to determine the cause of the chest pain. Do not ignore it.

2. Can chest pain be caused by something other than a heart problem?

Yes, many cases of chest pain are due to digestive disorders such as acidity, acid reflux, or gastritis.

3. How can I tell if chest pain is related to acidity or a heart problem?

Acidity-related chest pain is usually a burning sensation that worsens after meals and improves with antacids. Heart-related chest pain involves pressure or squeezing, may spread to other parts of the body, and is often accompanied by sweating, nausea, or shortness of breath.

4. When should I go to the hospital for chest pain?

If you are unsure whether the chest pain is related to acidity or a heart condition, it’s best to seek immediate medical attention.

Disclaimer: This article, including health and fitness advice, only provides generic information. Don’t treat it as a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist for specific health diagnosis.