Heartburn vs. Heart Attack: How To Tell The Difference

             Written by: Mantasha

Heartburn and heart attacks both cause chest discomfort, but distinguishing between them is crucial. Here’s how to tell them apart:

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Typically a burning sensation in the chest, often occurring after meals and relieved by antacids. It can be triggered by certain foods or lying down.

Heartburn

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Involves intense, pressure-like pain in the chest that may radiate to the arms, neck, or back. It is accompanied by symptoms like shortness of breath, nausea, and sweating, and requires immediate medical attention.

Heart Attack

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Heartburn pain is usually short-lived and improves with antacids or after digestion. In contrast, heart attack pain can persist for several minutes or longer and does not respond to antacids.

Duration Of Pain

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Heartburn may include a sour taste, bloating, or burping. A heart attack may present with extreme fatigue, dizziness, or a feeling of impending doom.

Additional Symptoms

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Heartburn can often be managed with over-the-counter remedies. A heart attack requires urgent medical care to prevent serious complications or death.

Response To Treatment

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