Chest discomfort is one of the most common reasons people seek emergency medical care. While it may simply be heartburn, it could also be a heart attack—a life-threatening condition requiring immediate treatment. Because the symptoms can sometimes feel similar, knowing the difference could save a life.
Heartburn is caused by stomach acid flowing back into the oesophagus commonly known as acid reflux. It usually causes a burning sensation in the centre of the chest, often after eating a large meal or spicy food or when lying down. The discomfort may also be accompanied by a sour taste in the mouth or the sensation of food coming back up the throat. Many people find that heartburn improves after taking antacids or sitting upright.
A heart attack, on the other hand, occurs when blood flow to part of the heart is blocked. Without enough oxygen, the heart muscle begins to suffer damage. The sooner treatment begins, the greater the chances of protecting the heart muscle and preventing serious complications.
During a heart attack, many people describe feeling pressure, tightness, squeezing, heaviness or fullness in the chest. The discomfort may spread to the left arm, both arms, the neck, jaw, back or upper abdomen.
Unlike heartburn, a heart attack is often accompanied by other symptoms, such as:
• Shortness of breath
• Cold sweats
• Nausea or vomiting
• Dizziness or fainting
• Extreme weakness or unusual fatigue
Some people may experience less typical symptoms. Instead of severe chest pain, they may have unusual tiredness, nausea, indigestion-like discomfort, back pain or jaw pain. Because these symptoms can be mistaken for less serious conditions, treatment may be delayed.
When it comes to discomfort involving your heart or chest, it is always better to be assessed and told that it is heartburn than to ignore a heart attack until it is too late.
