Heartburn can strike just about anyone at one time or another, and is rarely a condition worth worrying about. However, the painful burning and pain that is associated with heartburn symptoms can be mistaken for more serious medical conditions like angina or a heart attack. How do you know the difference? While it is always best to check with your doctor if you are truly not sure of where this intense pain is coming from, there are some ways to determine the difference between common heartburn symptoms as something more serious.
What Heartburn Looks Like
Heartburn will most likely occur after eating a large meal and will be characterized by a burning in the center of the chest that worsens when you bend over or lie down. The pain can last a few minutes to a few hours, and will often get better if with a dose of antacids. Other heartburn symptoms that you might experience with the pain include a sour taste in your throat or mouth, a burning sensation in the throat or difficulty swallowing. You might also feel like there is a piece of food stuck in your throat or chest. In some cases, heartburn symptoms can include a chronic cough, hoarseness or a sore throat.
If you are concerned that these heartburn symptoms might be a sign of a more serious condition, you can always call your doctor for good measure. He may be able to diagnose your situation over the phone and make the necessary recommendation. If he is unsure based on the heartburn symptoms that you are describing, he may want to see you for good measure. If your heartburn is frequent, your doctor may also want to run some tests to determine how extensive your condition might be and whether damage has been done to the esophagus from the acid.
When to Worry
There are other times when heartburn symptoms could be cause for concern, especially if they are accompanied by other types of symptoms. These might include a feeling of tightness or pressure around the chest area, like a belt is suddenly tightening around you. The pain can radiate to your shoulder and neck area and you may feel dizzy or short of breath. A cold sweat is another sign that you are not experiencing heartburn symptoms at all; but something potentially more serious. In these situations, a call to your doctor or 911 would be appropriate, since these symptoms can be signs of a heart attack.
Most heartburn symptoms, while they are painful, will go away on their own or after taking an over the counter heartburn medication. However, if your symptoms are accompanied by other signs that could indicate a heart attack, it is important to call your doctor or emergency services right away.
