Heartburn Symptoms Versus A Heart Attack

Posted by Charles · Leave a Comment

Knowing the difference between heartburn symptoms and a heart attack could save your life. The two symptoms have a lot of similarities. The pain of heartburn, experienced in the region around mid-chest, always gives reason for worry. Sometimes, the pain is caused by heart problems, but the patient thinks it is heartburn and ignores it with fatal consequences.

The Critical Difference - Heartburn Symptoms Vs Heart Attack

You need to know and differentiate clearly between these two problems. You have to learn in depth about the heartburn symptoms versus heart attack and identify the exact points that distinguish one from the other. Those who suffer from heart problems would be cautioned by their doctors about all the possible warning signs. Those who suffer from heartburn may fall into the high-risk group.

The symptoms of the two is difficult to tell apart unless you pay very close attention. Heartburn starts with slight discomfort and in a few minutes’ time can develop into an acute burning sensation in the mid-chest, that seems to end at the base of your throat. The pain is severe in some cases, but is associated with a relentless burning sensation. In most cases, heartburn would follow a heavy meal and worsen if you lie down, but reduce or disappear when you take an antacid.

The heart problem is heralded by acute pain in the middle of the chest accompanied with a host of other symptoms, such as a feeling something is squeezing your chest, sharp pain at the base of your neck, left arm and shoulder, sudden shortness of breath with profuse sweating without apparent reason. Heart pain gets alleviated if you rest and usually follows some type of excitement, such as exertion, emotional excitement, acute stress, etc.

If you confuse heartburn with heart attack you will survive to tell the tale, however, if it is the other way round, it could mean serious problems and even death. When you are in doubt, sound the alarm and ask for immediate medical assistance. Have a check up immediately, preferably within the first hour of the attack (of pain).

In case of heart attack, the sooner your heart receives medical treatment the better chances for you to combat and prevent a second attack. Better to be safe than sorry!