What Does Heartburn Feel Like?
Signs & Symptoms
Heartburn Symptoms vs. Heart Attack
The symptoms of heartburn and heart attack are often confused, but they are very different conditions. It’s important to learn the difference between symptoms of acid reflux and signs of a heart attack and know when to seek medical help.
Signs Of Heartburn
Signs of heartburn include a burning pain in the centre of your chest that rises toward your throat, burning pain that worsens when you bend over or lie down, or an unpleasant, acidic taste in your mouth and even bad breath. You could also have reoccurring coughing or hiccups, bloating, a hoarse voice, and feel sick.
Heartburn – or acid reflux – is caused by stomach acid rising up the esophagus. This acid is what causes the burning pain in the chest and throat.
Heartburn can be treated with antacids, or PPIs (proton pump inhibitors) like Nexium 24HR. Speak to your pharmacist or doctor if you have frequent heartburn, as they can recommend treatments and lifestyle changes to help manage the condition.
Signs Of A Heart Attack
Signs of a heart attack include chest discomfort, along with pain or discomfort in one or both arms, the back, the neck, the jaw or the stomach, shortness of breath, cold sweats, nausea or lightheadedness.
Most heart attacks involve discomfort in the centre of the chest that lasts more than a few minutes, or that goes away and comes back. It can feel like uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, fullness or pain.
If your heartburn seems worse or different than usual, it may not be heartburn. Seek medical attention immediately if you experience chest discomfort, especially accompanied by pain in your back or arms, you have heart disease or diabetes, smoke, are overweight or have high cholesterol. Do not wait. Call 911 immediately for emergency medical help.
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∆2024 IQVIA ProVoice Survey for OTC PPIs.
