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How to Differentiate between Heart Attack and Acid Reflux

September 21, 2009

Heart.AttackThere are many people who mistake an acid reflux problem with that of heart attack and become extremely panicky and tensed about it. While there is no denying the fact that the chest pain and discomfort caused by acid reflux can be easily mistaken for a heart attack, given below are some tips that will help you differentiate between acid reflux and heart attack.

Acid reflux is a problem that leads to heartburns and excess acidity can also lead to chest pain- a symptom which is commonly associated with heart attack. However, one distinguishing feature of acid reflux is that this problem usually occurs after meals.

Even heart attacks can occur after meals, but they are more commonly witnessed during times of exertion and stress.

Along with chest pain, if you experience symptoms like belching, heartburns, and abdominal bloating, then you are probably suffering from acid reflux or GERD.

However, if you experience palpitations, breathlessness, sweating, and chest pain, then you must immediately contact a doctor as these are symptoms of heart attack and not acid reflux.

An important symptom associated with heart attack is that the pain extends to the arm region and is not exclusively restricted to the chest region. This is not usually the case with acid reflux.

In addition, the chest pain and discomfort caused by acid reflux can be relieved by having an antacid. However, heart attack leads to consistent pain which does not reduce in intensity by use of antacids.

You should pay close attention to the symptoms you are suffering from so that you can easily distinguish between a heart attack and acid reflux and take necessary action.

Mistaking acid reflux for heart attack leads to unnecessary tension and anxiety, and mistaking heart attack for acid reflux can have serious and even fatal consequences.


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