A heart attack is when the arteries connected to the heart become blocked. Heartburn, on the other hand, occurs when stomach acid travels back up the esophagus. Some symptoms of heartburn and a heart attack could be similar, such as chest pain. As a result, some people who are having a heart attack do not take action as they think they have heartburn.
If a person experiences heartburn pain alongside shortness of breath or sweating, this could be a heart-related issue. Other symptoms of a heart attack can include :. If a person has some or all of these symptoms, they should seek emergency medical attention. Learn more about the differences between heartburn and a heart attack here.
A person may alleviate symptoms of heartburn by using drugs such as :. Additionally, H2 blockers can produce various side effects, such as diarrhea , constipation , upset stomach , and headaches. In , the Food and Drug Administration FDA requested that manufacturers remove all forms of prescription and OTC ranitidine Zantac , an H2 blocker, from the market because of its unacceptable levels of N-Nitrosodimethylamine, a probable carcinogen.
Getting more exercise, reaching or maintaining a moderate weight, eating smaller meals, and sitting upright after eating may also help avert heartburn. However, if a person has heartburn regularly, they should contact a healthcare professional, who may recommend dietary changes and regular exercise and make suggestions with regard to posture, among other things.
If lifestyle and behavioral changes do not prove effective, a doctor may recommend OTC medications, such as antacids or H2 blockers. If a person is unsure whether they are experiencing symptoms of heartburn or a heart attack, they should seek immediate medical attention. Spicy foods or large meals can also be the root of distress. Other sources of heartburn include aspirin or ibuprofen, as well as some sedatives and blood pressure medications.
Tobacco in cigarettes is known to affect LES function too; cigarette smoking relaxes the muscle, which can result in heartburn. Being overweight or pregnant can also trigger heartburn due to added pressure on the abdomen and stomach. Symptoms usually begin shortly after eating and may persist for hours or fade in minutes.
In addition to burning in the chest, you may have a sour taste in your mouth, coughing, or hoarseness. You may also feel like you have food "stuck" in your throat. Many people experience worsening heartburn when they lie down or bend over, because these actions allow stomach acid to move more easily into the esophagus. What should you do to prevent or relieve heartburn? Your doctor might start by suggesting simple lifestyle changes, says Dr. Your esophagus connects to your stomach at a juncture known as the cardiac or lower esophageal sphincter.
If the cardiac sphincter is functioning properly, it closes when food leaves the esophagus and enters the stomach. This leads to contents from the stomach leaking back into the esophagus. Stomach acids can irritate the esophagus and cause symptoms of heartburn. This condition is known as reflux. Heartburn can also be the result of a hiatal hernia. This happens when part of the stomach pushes through the diaphragm and into the chest.
Heartburn is also a common condition during pregnancy. When a woman is pregnant, the progesterone hormone can cause the lower esophageal sphincter to relax.
This allows stomach contents to travel into the esophagus, causing irritation. Many people occasionally experience heartburn. This could be a sign of a more serious condition. Heartburn often occurs alongside other gastrointestinal conditions, such as ulcers, which are sores in the lining of the esophagus and stomach, or gastroesophageal reflux disease. Contact your doctor if you have heartburn and develop:.
You may be having a heart attack if you have:. The acid backup may be worse when you're bent over or lying down. Heartburn that occurs frequently and interferes with your routine is considered gastroesophageal reflux disease GERD. GERD treatment may require prescription medications and, occasionally, surgery or other procedures.
GERD can seriously damage your esophagus or lead to precancerous changes in the esophagus called Barrett's esophagus. Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. This content does not have an English version. This content does not have an Arabic version. Overview Heartburn is a burning pain in your chest, just behind your breastbone. Email address. First Name let us know your preferred name. Last Name. Thank you for subscribing Your in-depth digestive health guide will be in your inbox shortly.
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