Heart attack and heartburn have similar symptoms, look out for these 7 key differences

Heart attacks and heartburn can appear similar because both can cause chest pain, a symptom that is often alarming. ( Image: Canva)

Heart attacks and heartburn can appear similar because both can cause chest pain, a symptom that is often alarming. Heart attack pain stems from reduced blood flow to the heart muscle, presenting as a crushing or squeezing sensation that may radiate to the arms, neck, or back. Heartburn, caused by stomach acid irritating the oesophagus, produces a burning pain in the chest that can mimic heart attack symptoms. The overlap in pain location and sensation, especially when heartburn is severe, can lead to confusion, making it challenging to distinguish between the two without medical evaluation. Heart attacks and heartburn can have similar symptoms but are distinct conditions. According to Cardiologist Dr Priyanka Mathur from Vinayak Hospital, Indore, here are seven key differences.

Cause:

Heart attack: A heart attack occurs when a coronary artery becomes blocked by a clot or buildup of plaque, preventing oxygen-rich blood from reaching a part of the heart. This lack of oxygen leads to the death of heart muscle tissue, which can cause permanent damage if not treated quickly, potentially leading to fatal consequences.

Heartburn: Heartburn is caused by the backflow of stomach acid into the oesophagus, a condition known as acid reflux. This occurs when the lower oesophagal sphincter, a ring of muscle that acts as a valve between the oesophagus and stomach, doesn't close properly. The acid irritates the oesophagus, leading to the characteristic burning sensation.

Pain location:

Heart attack: The discomfort of a heart attack often starts in the centre of the chest, feeling like a heavy, tight, or crushing sensation. It can spread to other areas, such as the left arm, back, neck, jaw, or stomach, mimicking indigestion. This widespread pain often leads to confusion between heart attacks and other conditions like heartburn.

Heartburn: Heartburn typically presents as a localised burning pain just behind the breastbone or in the upper abdomen. Unlike heart attack pain, it does not radiate to other parts of the body. The pain from heartburn often occurs after eating and can worsen when lying down or bending over, making it easier to distinguish from a heart attack.

Type of pain:

Heart attack: The pain during a heart attack is often described as pressure, squeezing, or a tightness that can be intense and persistent. This discomfort may also be accompanied by a feeling of fullness or indigestion, leading some to mistakenly think they have heartburn. The pain is typically unrelieved by rest or changing position, indicating the severity.

Heartburn: The sensation of heartburn is a burning or discomfort that feels like it starts in the stomach and rises up into the chest. This pain is usually more annoying than severe and can be alleviated by antacids or lifestyle changes, such as avoiding certain foods. Unlike heart attack pain, it doesn’t usually involve pressure or tightness.

Duration:

Heart attack: Heart attack symptoms typically last longer than a few minutes and can persist or come in waves over several hours. The pain does not go away with rest and can intensify over time. Persistent or worsening symptoms are a clear indication that medical help is needed immediately to prevent significant heart damage or death.

Heartburn: Heartburn pain usually comes on after eating and lasts from a few minutes to several hours, depending on the severity of the reflux. The burning sensation may ease with antacids or positional changes, such as sitting up or standing. Unlike a heart attack, heartburn pain typically subsides and does not return without a trigger.

Also see: 5 reasons why eating dinner just before bed time could mess with your health

Triggering factors:

Heart attack: Heart attacks can occur unpredictably, though they are often triggered by physical exertion, intense emotional stress, or even rest. Other risk factors include high cholesterol, smoking, and hypertension. In some cases, heart attacks may happen without any obvious cause, which can make them particularly dangerous if not promptly recognised.

Heartburn: Heartburn is often triggered by specific foods and drinks, such as spicy foods, fatty meals, alcohol, and caffeine. It can also be brought on by overeating, lying down after a meal, or wearing tight clothing. Understanding these triggers can help individuals manage their symptoms by making dietary and lifestyle adjustments to reduce the frequency and severity.

Associated symptoms:

Heart attack: A heart attack is often accompanied by additional symptoms like shortness of breath, cold sweats, nausea, dizziness, and a sense of impending doom. These symptoms occur because the heart is struggling to pump blood effectively. Women may experience more subtle symptoms, such as fatigue or discomfort in the jaw, neck, or upper back, making diagnosis challenging.

Heartburn: The primary symptom of heartburn is the burning sensation in the chest, but it can also cause a sour taste in the mouth, especially if acid reaches the throat. Regurgitation of food or liquid is common, and while uncomfortable, it usually doesn’t involve the systemic symptoms seen in a heart attack. These differences help distinguish between the two conditions.

Response to treatment:

Heart attack: Immediate treatment for a heart attack is critical and typically involves medications like aspirin, nitroglycerin, and clot-busting drugs, along with emergency procedures like angioplasty. Delay in treatment can lead to severe heart damage or death. Recognising symptoms and seeking urgent medical help can be life-saving, as time is of the essence.

Heartburn: Heartburn can often be managed at home with over-the-counter antacids, proton pump inhibitors, or H2 blockers, which reduce stomach acid production. Avoiding trigger foods, eating smaller meals, and not lying down immediately after eating can also help. Unlike heart attacks, heartburn does not require emergency care unless it’s severe or persistent, which may indicate a more serious condition.