Chest pain always makes someone think they’re having a heart attack which is a life or death situation. It’s important to note though that chest pains don’t always signal an issue with the heart. Heartburn, which isn’t usually a serious condition, can sometimes lead to chest pains. Frequent cases of heartburn may cause you to ignore chest pains as another episode. It’s best to learn what’s going on if you’ve never had it before, so you don’t panic for no reason. The first few minutes after chest pains start are crucial, so you need to learn what’s really going on in order to react appropriately.

Despite its name, heartburn doesn’t result from a problem with the heart. Heartburn is only called that because the pain it causes is located in the chest. Whenever stomach acid is forced up into the esophagus, it will damage sensitive tissue and cause pain. Most people get heartburn right after eating or drinking something. Smoking can also cause the problem. Lying down too soon after eating can also be a culprit. You should be able to tell the difference from a heart attack since heartburn typically occurs after eating something.

You should try to learn the symptoms of both conditions. Heartburn most often manifests itself as a burning sensation located directly behind the breastbone. The pain caused by heart attacks radiates to different areas of your body including the neck, shoulders, arm, and jaw. You need to know, though, that heartburn can sometimes cause some of these other symptoms, so if in doubt, see your doctor.

Some of the signs that set heartburn apart from heart attacks include a sore throat, hoarseness, and trouble swallowing. It is usually easy to stop heartburn quickly, however, by taking antacid tablets which will definitely not cure a heart attack. Additional heart attack symptoms that can help you differentiate between the two conditions include cold sweats, nausea, dizziness, shortness of breath, weakness, and fainting.

Minutes count when you’re having a heart attack, so it’s important that you not wait too long when you develop these symptoms. If antacids don’t clear up the problem in short order, you need to get to the emergency room as soon as possible. Doc No.lsdhhsdlh-sdlkjhsgd

Kristie Brown writes on a variety of topics from health to technology. Check out her websites on How to get rid of heartburn and Stop heartburn