Difference Between Heart Attack & Acid Reflux Symptoms

According to the American Heart Association, almost 500,000 deaths in the U.S. each year result from coronary heart disease (CHD). Chest pain is a common sign of a heart attack, a complication from CHD. However, acid reflux, a non-life-threatening condition also causes chest pain.

Coronary heart disease.

• Coronary heart disease is the result of obstruction of the arteries that feed the heart muscle due to the build-up of plaque. A diet high in cholesterol and genetics lead to this condition. A total blockage of a coronary artery leads to a heart attack.

Heart attack.

• During a heart attack, part of the heart muscle is deprived of oxygen because blood circulation to that part is blocked. After some time, that part of the heart dies. Symptoms of a heart attack include chest pain, shortness of breath, sweating, lightheadedness and fatigue.

Acid reflux.

• Acid reflux is one sign of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). In GERD, the acids of the stomach make their way into the esophagus, the tube through which food reaches the stomach. This causes irritation of the esophagus, resulting in a burning pain in the lower part of the chest or upper abdomen.

Heart attack vs. acid reflux.

• Both a heart attack and acid reflux cause chest pain. However, a heart attack may also cause jaw pain or pain radiating to the left arm. Acid reflux pain rarely extends beyond the chest. Nevertheless, any type of chest pain should be taken seriously.

Consult a medical pofessional.

• It is always a good idea to consult a medical professional about any type of chest pain. The chances of surviving a heart attack are reduced as time passes, so any type of chest pain should be considered a medical emergency regardless of how minimal it is. Contact emergency medical services and let the professionals sort out whether it's a heart attack or acid reflux.