How To Differentiate Between Heartburn And Heart Attack Symptoms?

A medical expert is the best person who can help differentiate between heartburn and heart attack symptoms. When the symptoms of pain in the chest area are mild, most people, including the estimated twenty-one million American sufferers, attribute the discomfort to heartburn. Unfortunately, a similar number of Americans may be in fact suffering from heart disease and may be prone to heart attacks. Although heart burn and heart attacks are unrelated, many of the symptoms are common.

Seek Prompt Medical Attention If Any Heartburn And Heart Attack Symptoms Are Felt

Although heartburn and heart attack are unrelated, the symptom of pain in the chest area is shared between the two. The sensation of searing pain in the chest during heartburn is due to the regurgitation of some of the acidic contents of the stomach. The inner linings of the esophagus and throat are singed by the acid. In the case of a heart attack, the main cause is the restriction of some of the blood vessels in the heart. Additional symptoms include hyperventilation, nausea, profuse sweating and potentially vomiting. In the latter case, it's absolutely critical that medical attention is sought without delay.

The searing pain felt in the chest area is probably the reason that the condition is referred to as heartburn although heartburn and heart attack are not related. Heartburns should not be taken lightly; especially in chronic cases. Failure to treat heartburns may lead to more complicated health conditions. Heart attacks are not usually on eof them.

The irony of some heart attack treatments is that they may cause heartburn. Usually a doctor who prescribes these treatments give specific instructions to reduce the chances of heartburn.

Since it appears that heartburn and heart attack are unconnected, it is imperative that one is able to differentiate the symptoms of the onset of a heart attack. The signs to watch out for include:

1. Tightness, pressure or pain in the middle of the chest 2. The debilitating pain tends to spread upwards to the neck, shoulder and arms 3. The pain seems to be more acute on the left side of the chest

Heartburn symptoms on the other hand start after a heavy meal with rich and spicy food downed with alcoholic and caffeinated drinks. The searing pain from the acid reflux rides back from the end of the breastbone and into the throat.

Although genetics are an important factor in both heartburn and heart attack, sufferers tend to have poor eating habits and lifestyle choices. These choices tend to adversely affect their health in other areas, too.

The best bet in differentiating between heartburn and heart attack is to identify the differences in the symptoms between the two conditions and to seek medical attention with the relevant sense of urgency. This can make the difference between a discomfort that can be relieved with antacids and the rapid and painful end to one's life.