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| Differentiating Heartburn from Heart Attack and Other Ailments |
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Almost everybody has at one time or another experienced that burning sensation in their chest following a big meal. Most people automatically assume that it is simply heartburn, and in most cases they are absolutely correct - in rare cases, however, that assumption could prove fatal. How, you may wonder? The possibility of misdiagnosis of heartburn is small, but the alternative diagnosis - the first sign of an impending heart attack - is serious enough to warrant a second thought.
Heartburn is a symptom of other disorders, and usually involves a burning feeling in the chest or throat that can last from a few minutes to several hours. It is most commonly caused by stomach acid that backs up into the esophagus when the lower esophageal sphincter fails to perform its proper function of opening during the process of swallowing. This can be caused by overeating (as in the ingestion of a big meal), or lying horizontally after a meal. Alcohol and caffeinated beverages like coffee are also common culprits that can cause the sphincter to improperly open its valve.
When your heartburn occurs on a consistent basis, it may a more serious ailment such as acid reflux, esophageal cancer, or a gallbladder attack. Gastritis and peptic ulcers can also cause the same symptoms. And then, of course, there is the possibility that you are experiencing a heart attack. The emergency rooms encounter thousands of people each year who believe that their heartburn is a warning sign of a heart attack. They also encounter far too many people who are having heart attacks, but mistakenly believed the sensation to be common heartburn. Differentiating between the two conditions can be a matter of life and death.
In general, heart attacks are differentiated from heartburn in both the number of symptoms involved, and the degree of severity. Heart attacks usually involve a sudden tightening of the chest that lasts for more than a couple minutes, with pain that spreads to the neck, back, shoulders, and arms (most commonly the left arm). The discomfort in the chest is most commonly accompanied by a corresponding shortness of breath, feelings of nausea and dizziness, and heavy sweating.
As noted above, heartburn on an occasional basis is a common condition. If, however, your heartburn is accompanied by any of the named symptoms above, or occurs during times of physical or emotional exertion, it is advisable that you consult emergency medical assistance as soon as possible. In particular, be mindful of pain in the upper extremities and shortness of breath that most commonly indicates potential heart difficulties.
One of the most common mistakes made by those who have to differentiate between heartburn and heart attack is to allow their fear of appearing somewhat of a hypochondriac to color their decision making process and cause them to avoid getting a clinical diagnosis. Be especially mindful of the potential for a missed heart attack diagnosis if you are one of the millions of Americans who suffer from any of the defined risk factors for heart disease.
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