Heartburn or heart attack?

That is the question. You’re at home and you start having chest pains. Should you be concerned? Heartburn or indigestion creates discomfort and pain when digestive acid backs up from the stomach into the esophagus. Indigestion usually starts as a burning sensation. You might feel it in your upper abdomen, and the pain and discomfort might spread to your chest area, thus the term “heartburn. Many foods can trigger heartburn such as fried, acidic, and sugary. It’s important for your heart and overall health, to eat a well-balanced diet and get plenty of exercise and sleep. Weight and stress too can cause an on-slot of health issues. The American Heart Association offers a variety of dietary recommendations for a healthy heart.

A heart attack is similar to heartburn. The classic signs involve a sudden and severe pain in the chest. Victims describe it as a crushing pain, like an elephant sitting on your chest. However, heart attack signs vary greatly depending on the individual, and many attacks do not occur in the classic “textbook” way. Heartburn can be one symptom of a heart attack. The most common symptom for both men and women is chest discomfort, and sometimes it is hard to tell whether it is mere heartburn or a more serious heart attack.

Typical heart attack symptoms:
  • Pressure on the chest
  • Tightness in the chest
  • Chest pain
  • A squeezing sensation in the chest
  • Pain that radiates down your arms, particularly your left arm, or that spreads into the back, neck, or jaw
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Abdominal pain
  • Indigestion (heartburn)
  • Shortness of breath
  • Breaking out into a cold sweat
  • Fatigue
  • Lightheaded
  • Sudden dizziness

In case of any chest pain that you are not sure about, err on the side of caution and seek medical attention right away. Heart attack pain happens when a blocked artery can’t supply blood to the heart, so immediate medical attention is crucial. In the medical world, the saying is Time Is Muscle, meaning every second counts. It is of vital importance to get the vessel open as soon as possible. The more time that goes by, the more heart muscle that’s going to die. As February Heart Month, comes to an end, we want you to continue to stay aware of heart issues, signs and symptoms, all year long.

Being certified in CPR is one way to be prepared in cardiac emergency situations when time is of the essence.

Surepoint offers FREE CPR classes – adult, child, and infant CPR, as well as training for AED and choking – The certification is good for two years and anyone, ages 8 and older can get certified. Get your family involved. They may save your life one day.

For more information, or to register for a FREE CPR class, go to https://surepoint-er.com/about-us/cpr-classes/

Surepoint Emergency Center is a modern emergency medical facility open 24/7/365. As an alternative to the traditional hospital ER experience, we offer convenience and minimal wait time, along with highly-trained emergency medical staff and state-of-the-art equipment. Our top priority is bringing high-quality emergency care, quickly and easily to your family. We are committed to making patients feel better faster in a comforting and compassionate environment. Fast convenient care in your neighborhood.