Heartburn is normally caused by stomach acids regurgitating in the esophagus area of the body. Its symptoms include a burning sensation and pain that is felt behind the breastbone, the very area where the heart is located. Aside from this, the pain also radiates to the face and neck area, which strengthens a person’s fear of a heart attack. This misconception has often led to undue anxiety and fear on the part of the sufferer and his family. Though the malady could be a symptom of a more serious disease, it has nothing to do with the heart. What then is the difference between a heart attack and heartburn?
Heartburn is caused by stomach acid reflux that is triggered by a bad eating habit and certain foods or beverages. This condition is also a symptom of indigestion. Heartburn is a major discomfort but can be easily remedied. For example, avoiding foods that have high acid contents or staying away from alcoholic drinks is often enough to stop the condition from reoccurring. A heart attack is a more serious disease that is often fatal if the conditions leading to it is left unnoticed or allowed to run its course.
A heart attack is caused either by an inborn condition or by a wrong lifestyle. It s is brought about by a bad clot that clogs the major arteries of the heart causing damage to its valves. Heart attack symptoms are in turn, being mistaken for heartburn by many people and this is very dangerous. Though the pain in the chest and face area is common to both conditions, a heart attack is associated with shortness of breath and sweating, and is generally brought about by exertion or by stress. These conditions are not present in a heartburn episode and knowing them might save your life.
The best recourse when in doubt is to go to a hospital immediately. Although the visit maybe unnecessary if it proves to be just heartburn, taking the precaution against a heart attack can be worth the trip to a medical facility. Whether it is heartburn or heart attack, you should always take chances since these conditions can be very dangerous especially to children.
