How to Recognize the Signs of a Heart Attack or Heartburn

Updated at: 28 Sep 2023

It is difficult to get to know whether it is a heart attack or a heartburn through its symptoms. A heart attack shows breathlessness as a symptom. But heartburn is often accompanied by bloating and belching. Heart attacks happen when one of the arteries supplying the heart becomes blocked, leading to pain. On the other hand, heartburn is a burning pain typically felt in the upper belly or lower chest, resulting from stomach acid rising in the food pipe.

If you are unsure about whether you are experiencing heartburn or a heart attack, it is important to seek advice from a top heart specialist in Hyderabad. There you can get to know all the necessary details. Also, they will guide you to make proper decisions about your health.

What is a heart attack?

The blood vessels, which are known as coronary arteries, provide oxygen to the heart. But sometimes, these pathways become obstructed due to coronary artery disease. Heart attack is a condition where a part of the heart muscle is deprived of its lifeblood. A heart attack can even lead to the heart stopping altogether, resulting in a terrifying event known as cardiac arrest. 

What is heartburn?

Heartburn may feel like a burning pain, but it is actually just a symptom, not a disease. It is caused by acid reflux when stomach contents splash back up into the food pipe. Despite its name, heartburn is unrelated to the heart. While the stomach has a protective lining against the acid it uses for digestion, the food pipe is left vulnerable. Acid reflux can actually damage the lining of the food pipe, but not everyone experiences this.

What are the symptoms of a heart attack?

Below are some general symptoms of heart attacks:

• A person can experience chest pain characterized by pressure, squeezing, heaviness, or tightness.

• Feel as if an immense weight is crushing your chest

• Persisting pain for more than a few minutes

Not all heart attacks manifest the same symptoms. They can range from mild to severe. Gain a deeper understanding by consulting with the leading Heart Specialist in Hyderabad.

Additionally, the chest pain may radiate to different areas of the body, affecting the arms, neck, jaw, or upper and mid-back.

Below are some other symptoms that come with a heart attack:

• Breaking out in a cold sweat

• Shortness of breath

• Feeling nauseous or sick

• Nausea

• Lack of energy

• Dizziness or lightheadedness

Some older individuals and those with diabetes may experience milder or no symptoms at all during a heart attack. However, they may still experience breathlessness.

What are the symptoms of heartburn?

If you are experiencing a burning sensation in your food pipe, then it could be heartburn. This painful feeling is commonly felt just above the stomach. But sometimes, it can reach all the way to the back of the mouth. Along with heartburn, acid reflux disease can cause other unpleasant symptoms like nausea, bloating, and belching. Visit the top Heart Hospital in Hyderabad for effective treatment for any heart disease.

Unraveling the Mysteries: Heartburn vs. Heart Attack

Distinguishing between heartburn and a heart attack can be challenging. Even experienced cardiologists in Hyderabad struggle to diagnose based on symptoms alone, often resorting to tests for confirmation.

Heres what sets the symptoms apart:

• Heartburn typically worsens after meals and when lying down, whereas a heart attack can strike at any time, including after a meal.

• Medications that reduce stomach acid levels can provide relief from heartburn.

• Unlike a heart attack, heartburn does not cause additional symptoms like breathlessness.

• Heartburn may lead to bloating and belching, but a heart attack does not.

When do you need to call a heart specialist in Hyderabad?

• Chest pain that lasts longer than a few minutes or comes and goes repeatedly.

• Discomfort or pain in areas other than the chest.

• In addition to chest discomfort, you may have difficulty breathing.

• Experiencing cold sweat.

• Feeling nauseous and dizzy.

• Additional signs such as excessive fatigue.

You can see some different variations in both mens and womens symptoms.

Some women suffer from jaw pain, vomiting, and many other symptoms.

For men, the primary symptom is only chest pain.

What are some major effective treatments for heart attack?

When it comes to treating a heart attack, immediate action is crucial. 

Immediate treatment options may include:

Aspirin: Stops blood clotting and minimizes damage to the heart.

Nitroglycerin: Improves blood flow and helps alleviate symptoms.

Oxygen therapy: Provides the necessary oxygen to support the heart.

Tests for diagnosing a heart attack include:

ECG: This non-invasive test measures the hearts electrical activity, offering valuable insights into its rhythm and functioning.

Echocardiography: Utilizing ultrasound technology, our medical professionals obtain detailed images of the heart, helping to assess its condition.

Angiography: In some cases, additional investigations such as X-rays and blood tests are conducted to provide a comprehensive evaluation.

What are the effective treatments for heartburn?

To diagnose heartburn,a cardiologist in Hyderabad assesses symptoms. Such as frequency, duration, severity, and response to meals and postures. The use of an endoscope can also reveal any damage in the food pipe lining. Treatment options depend on the underlying cause and may involve:

• using medications

• avoiding trigger foods

• maintaining a healthy weight, and

• quitting smoking. 

Conclusion

Act fast if you suspect a heart attack. Promptly seek the expertise of a nearby cardiologist to increase your chances of survival. Do not wait too long. The longer you delay treatment, the higher the risk of a heart attack. Assess your heart symptoms and schedule an appointment with the highly regarded Dr. Asif, the best cardiologist in Hyderabad.