Experiencing chest pain can be terrifying and overwhelming, but before you jump to conclusions, it’s essential to understand the differences between a heart attack and heartburn.

Although they share similar symptoms, they are two distinct conditions that require different treatments.

What is a Heart Attack?

A heart attack, also known as myocardial infarction, occurs when the blood flow to the heart is interrupted, damaging the heart muscle.

The most common cause of a heart attack is the buildup of plaque in the coronary arteries, which are responsible for providing blood to the heart muscle. When a plaque ruptures, a blood clot forms, blocking the blood flow to the heart, resulting in a heart attack.

What are the Symptoms of a Heart Attack?

The symptoms of a heart attack can differ from person to person and can range from mild to severe. The most common symptoms of a heart attack include:.

Chest pain or discomfort that feels like pressure, squeezing, or fullness and can last for more than a few minutes
Pain or discomfort in the arms, neck, jaw, shoulder, or back
Shortness of breath
Sweating
Nausea or vomiting
Lightheadedness or dizziness

What is Heartburn?

Heartburn is a type of indigestion that causes a burning sensation in the chest or throat. It occurs when stomach acid backs up into the esophagus, causing inflammation and irritation.

Common causes of heartburn include overeating, eating spicy or fatty foods, and drinking alcohol or caffeine.

What are the Symptoms of Heartburn?

The most common symptoms of heartburn include:.

Burning sensation in the chest or throat
Sour or bitter taste in the mouth
Difficulty swallowing
Nausea or vomiting
Bloating or gas

Differences between Heart Attack and Heartburn Symptoms

Although heart attack and heartburn share some common symptoms, there are some distinguishing differences that can help you tell them apart. The most significant differences include:.

Location of Pain: Heart attack pain typically occurs in the center or left side of the chest and can radiate to the arms, neck, jaw, shoulder, or back. Heartburn pain typically occurs in the upper abdomen or chest and can radiate to the throat.
Pain Duration: Heart attack pain typically lasts longer than 15 minutes and can be continuous or intermittent. Heartburn pain typically lasts for a few minutes to a few hours and can be relieved by antacids or changing positions.
Severity of Pain: Heart attack pain is usually more severe and intense than heartburn pain. Heartburn pain is usually described as a burning sensation.
Other Symptoms: Heart attack symptoms can include shortness of breath, sweating, lightheadedness, or dizziness. Heartburn symptoms typically do not include these symptoms.

When to Seek Emergency Medical Attention

If you are experiencing chest pain or discomfort, it’s essential to seek medical attention immediately.

Even if you are unsure whether it is a heart attack or heartburn, it’s always better to err on the side of caution and seek medical attention as soon as possible. Delaying treatment for a heart attack can lead to serious complications, including heart failure or even death.

How to Prevent Heart Attack and Heartburn

While some risk factors for heart attack, such as age or genetic predisposition, cannot be controlled, there are some lifestyle changes you can make to reduce your risk of a heart attack:.

Quit smoking
Eat a heart-healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein
Exercise regularly
Maintain a healthy weight
Manage chronic health conditions, such as high blood pressure or diabetes

To prevent heartburn, you should:.

Avoid foods that trigger heartburn, such as spicy or fatty foods, chocolate, alcohol, and caffeine
Eat smaller, more frequent meals
Avoid eating before bedtime or lying down after a meal
Elevate the head of your bed

Conclusion

Knowing the difference between a heart attack and heartburn can be the difference between life and death. Always seek medical attention if you are experiencing chest pain or discomfort to get a proper diagnosis.

While heart attacks can be life-threatening, heartburn, although uncomfortable, is typically not a serious condition.

However, if heartburn symptoms persist or become more severe, it’s essential to see a doctor to rule out any underlying conditions.