Various Types of Chest Pain: Distinguishing Heart Attacks from Heartburn
In the realm of health concerns, two conditions that can share similar symptoms yet require distinct approaches are heartburn and heart attacks. While both may cause chest discomfort, they differ significantly in nature, timing, and associated signs.
Heartburn, a common digestive issue, is characterised by a burning chest discomfort, often worsening after eating, especially spicy or heavy meals, and improving with antacids. In contrast, a heart attack presents as a more severe, persistent pain that is crushing, squeezing, or pressure-like in nature, and may radiate to the neck, jaw, back, arms, or shoulders. Heart attacks are not related to food or position and do not cause bloating or belching.
Other distinguishing signs include the systemic symptoms that may accompany a heart attack, such as shortness of breath, cold sweats, nausea, dizziness, anxiety, and fatigue. Women may experience atypical symptoms such as jaw, neck, back pain, nausea, or extreme fatigue.
If chest pain is accompanied by symptoms like dizziness, nausea, sweating, or radiating pain, or if unsure, it is crucial to seek emergency medical help immediately, as it may indicate a heart attack.
For those with frequent heartburn, it could be a sign of GERD or another condition that requires medication or surgery. On the other hand, a heart attack is an event caused by disease in the coronary arteries, which supply blood to the heart. Treatment may involve procedures such as stenting, percutaneous coronary intervention, or surgery like coronary artery bypass grafting.
In the event of a heart attack, immediate action is crucial. Dial 911 or the number of the nearest emergency department and get an automated external defibrillator (AED) if available. During CPR for a heart attack, perform cycles of 30 compressions and 2 breaths, and use an AED to shock the heart as soon as one becomes available.
For symptom relief of heartburn, antacids can be taken. However, heartburn does not cause sweating, dizziness, or fatigue, unlike a heart attack.
Remember, awareness is key, especially for women who may experience less typical symptoms during a heart attack. If you are experiencing chest pain or discomfort, pain in the neck, jaw, back, shoulders, or arms, feeling dizzy or faint, shortness of breath, and cold sweat, seek immediate medical help.
In case of chest pain, anyone should call for an ambulance straight away and get urgent medical care. Heart attacks and heartburn may share some symptoms, but their underlying causes, treatments, and potential consequences differ significantly. Stay informed, stay healthy.
[1] Mayo Clinic. (2021). Heart attack vs. heartburn: Know the differences. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/heart-attack/in-depth/heart-attack/art-20047949
[2] American Heart Association. (2021). Heart Attack Symptoms. https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/heart-attack/symptoms
[3] National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. (2021). Heartburn. https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health-topics/heartburn
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