Heartburn, characterized by a burning sensation in the chest, is a common discomfort experienced by many. Typically resulting from acid reflux, where stomach acid flows back into the esophagus, heartburn is often harmless. However, emerging research and clinical observations suggest that what is perceived as heartburn could, in some cases, be an early warning sign of a heart attack. This overlap in symptoms underscores the importance of understanding the distinctions and connections between these conditions to ensure timely medical intervention.health.harvard.edu+2mayoclinic.org+2verywellhealth.com+2
Heartburn occurs when stomach acid irritates the lining of the esophagus, leading to a burning sensation in the chest. Common triggers include spicy foods, caffeine, alcohol, and large meals. Symptoms often manifest shortly after eating and may include:health.com
A burning sensation in the chest, usually after eating, which might be worse at night or when lying down. mayoclinic.org
A sour or acidic taste in the mouth.health.ucdavis.edu
Difficulty swallowing.medicalnewstoday.com+14en.wikipedia.org+14pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov+14
These symptoms are generally manageable with lifestyle modifications and over-the-counter medications. However, their similarity to heart attack symptoms can lead to confusion.
A heart attack, or myocardial infarction, occurs when blood flow to a part of the heart muscle is blocked, causing tissue damage. While chest pain is a hallmark symptom, the nature and location of the pain can vary, sometimes resembling heartburn. Symptoms of a heart attack may include:
Chest pain or discomfort, often described as pressure, squeezing, fullness, or pain in the center or left side of the chest.heart.org
Pain or discomfort in the upper body, such as the arms, back, neck, jaw, or stomach.health.ucdavis.edu+2massgeneralbrigham.org+2heart.org+2
Shortness of breath.massgeneralbrigham.org
Cold sweat, nausea, or lightheadedness.
Notably, some individuals, especially women, may experience atypical symptoms like indigestion, nausea, or back and jaw pain, which can be mistaken for heartburn. heart.org
A poignant example illustrating this confusion involves a woman who experienced what she thought was persistent heartburn. Despite taking antacids, her discomfort persisted, leading her to seek medical attention. It was later revealed that she was, in fact, experiencing a heart attack. This case underscores the critical need for awareness that heartburn-like symptoms could signal a cardiac event, especially when accompanied by other symptoms like shortness of breath or pain radiating to other parts of the body.
Distinguishing between heartburn and a heart attack can be challenging due to overlapping symptoms. However, certain characteristics can aid differentiation:
Nature of Pain: Heartburn typically causes a burning sensation that may rise from the stomach to the throat, often accompanied by a sour taste. In contrast, heart attack pain is usually described as pressure, tightness, or squeezing in the chest.mayoclinic.orgmassgeneralbrigham.org+1health.harvard.edu+1
Timing and Triggers: Heartburn often occurs after eating, especially large or spicy meals, and may worsen when lying down. Heart attack symptoms can occur anytime, often during physical exertion or stress, but also at rest.health.ucdavis.eduhealth.harvard.edu
Relief Measures: Heartburn symptoms may improve with antacids or by sitting upright. Heart attack symptoms typically do not improve with these measures and may persist or worsen.mayoclinic.org
Despite these distinctions, it's crucial to err on the side of caution. If there's any doubt about the cause of chest pain, seeking immediate medical attention is imperative. mayoclinic.org+2massgeneralbrigham.org+2self.com+2
Interestingly, heartburn and heart disease share several risk factors, including obesity, smoking, and poor diet. Chronic gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) has been associated with an increased risk of developing coronary heart disease (CHD).
Women may experience heart attack symptoms differently than men. While chest pain is common in both, women are more likely to have atypical symptoms (though men can have these as well) such as:
Nausea or vomiting.pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov+1medicalnewstoday.com+1
Shortness of breath.health.harvard.edu+1massgeneralbrigham.org+1
Back or jaw pain.heart.org
Extreme fatigue.
These symptoms can be subtle and easily mistaken for less serious conditions like heartburn or indigestion, leading to delays in seeking treatment.
Given the potential for heartburn-like symptoms to indicate a heart attack, prompt medical evaluation is essential. Delaying treatment can result in significant heart muscle damage or even death. Healthcare professionals utilize various diagnostic tools, such as electrocardiograms (EKGs), blood tests, and imaging studies, to differentiate between heartburn and cardiac events.
Adopting a heart-healthy lifestyle can mitigate the risk of both heartburn and heart disease:
American Heart Association (2025). Could her heartburn be a symptom of a heart attack? Retrieved from: Heart.org
Mayo Clinic (2024). Heartburn vs. Heart Attack: How to Tell the Difference. Retrieved from: Mayo Clinic
Harvard Health Publishing (2024). Heartburn or heart attack? Recognizing the warning signs. Retrieved from: Harvard Health
National Institutes of Health (NIH) (2024). GERD and its potential connection to heart disease: A review of shared risk factors. Retrieved from: PubMed Central
American College of Cardiology (2024). Women’s heart attack symptoms: Why they can be different from men’s. Retrieved from: ACC
