More than 6.5 million Americans visit emergency rooms each year for chest pain. In many cases, the cause turns out to be something relatively minor, such as heartburn. But because heartburn and heart attack symptoms can overlap, knowing the difference could save your life.
Chest pain can be alarming. A burning sensation after a heavy meal might signal acid reflux. But pressure, tightness or spreading pain could point to something far more serious.
What Heartburn Feels Like
Heartburn is a symptom of acid reflux, which occurs when stomach acid flows back into the esophagus. It often causes a burning sensation in the chest or throat and can last several minutes or even hours after eating.
Common heartburn symptoms include:
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A burning feeling behind the breastbone
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A sour taste in the mouth
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Burping or regurgitation
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Nausea
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Hoarseness or chronic cough
The discomfort often worsens when lying down or bending over. Spicy foods, caffeine and acidic beverages are common triggers. Antacids or sitting upright typically bring relief.
While occasional heartburn is common, frequent episodes may signal gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD, which can cause long-term damage if untreated.
What a Heart Attack Feels Like
A heart attack occurs when blood flow to the heart is blocked, damaging heart muscle. Unlike heartburn, heart attack pain is not related to eating and may begin suddenly or gradually worsen over time.
Typical symptoms include:
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Pressure, squeezing or tightness in the center of the chest
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Pain spreading to one or both arms, the jaw, neck or back
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Shortness of breath
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Lightheadedness
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Nausea or vomiting
Women may experience less typical symptoms, such as back pain, fatigue or nausea without severe chest pressure.
Heart attack pain does not improve with antacids or changes in position. It may intensify over minutes or hours.
Key Differences
Location and sensation can offer clues. Heartburn usually feels like a burning pain behind the breastbone and may travel up toward the throat. A heart attack often feels like pressure or heaviness in the chest and can radiate to other parts of the body.
Timing also matters. Heartburn typically occurs shortly after eating and may improve with over-the-counter remedies. Heart attack symptoms can occur at any time and often worsen with activity or do not subside with rest.
When to Seek Help
Health experts emphasize that when in doubt, seek immediate medical care. Call 911 if chest pain lasts more than a few minutes, spreads to the arms or jaw, or is accompanied by shortness of breath, sweating or faintness.
While most cases of chest pain are not life-threatening, prompt evaluation is critical when a heart attack is possible.
Understanding the difference between heartburn and heart attack symptoms can help individuals respond appropriately and reduce the risk of serious complications.
