Chest pain comes in many shapes and forms. Knowing the difference between a bad case of heartburn and the symptoms of a heart attack can help you get to the emergency room in time. While they both have the word heart in the title, one can be life-threatening, while the other is extremely uncomfortable. Here’s how to recognize the signs of heartburn vs. heart attack.
When to Visit the Emergency Room for Chest Pain
There are two common types of symptoms that are always associated with a heart attack and not related to heartburn:
- A sudden onset of chest pain, coupled with pain in your upper body (like your arms, back, shoulders, neck, and jaw)
- Chest pain with sweating and dizziness
If you have either of these symptoms, you should seek medical care right away.
Heartburn Can Be Extremely Painful
Acid reflux, more commonly known as heartburn, happens when stomach acid rises up into the esophagus. This causes a burning sensation in the chest that can be extremely painful.
Signs of heartburn include:
- A burning or heavy sensation in your chest
- A bitter or metallic taste in your mouth
- Belching, hiccups, or nausea
- Bloating or feeling overly full
Typically, heartburn does not require medical intervention. It can be remedied with at-home treatments like rest and light stretching or over-the-counter medications. However, if the pain is extreme, or you are unsure if it’s from heartburn or a heart attack, seek medical care right away.
Heart Attacks Are Life-Threatening
Heart attacks are caused by a lack of blood flow into the heart. Both women and men are susceptible to heart attacks, and knowing the signs is important. Some people can have very intense symptoms, while others might have milder symptoms. Heart attacks are not always sudden—symptoms can appear hours, days, and even weeks before an attack.
Signs of a heart attack in women include:
- Chest pain
- Pain in the upper body (back, shoulders, upper arms)
- Pain in the neck and jaw
- Sweating
- Nausea
- Extreme anxiety
- Unusual tiredness
Signs of a heart attack in men include:
- Chest pain
- Pain through the arms, chest, and neck
- Sweating
- Dizziness
- Shortness of breath
You Always Need Emergency Treatment for a Heart Attack
A blockage to your heart is not a small thing. Ignoring the early symptoms can lead to permanent heart damage and even death. If you have chest pain or pressure that does not disappear with rest, you should always be examined by a doctor. If new symptoms of a heart attack appear or become suddenly worse, go to the emergency room.
Total Point ER in Burleson, Texas, Is Here for You
At Total Point ER in Burleson, we are prepared to handle any medical emergency, including cardiovascular events. We strive to create an environment that is calming, reassuring, and you can rest assured that our doctors know what they are doing. Our team is committed to providing the very best emergency medical care in the area, and our doors are open 24/7.
Images used under creative commons license – commercial use (8/1/24). Photo by Claudio Schwarz on Unsplash.