Heartburn Angina Symptoms

Heartburn, also called acid reflux, can have similar symptoms to angina, a much more serious medical condition. There are some definitive differences, however, which can help to determine which problem is occurring. In heartburn, stomach acid rises into the esophagus and causes discomfort or pain. Symptoms include a burning sensation in the throat, difficulty swallowing and a bitter taste.

Eating

• People usually have heartburn symptoms soon after eating or when lying down after eating. Eating too much can aggravate heartburn, as can bending over after eating. This is not typical of angina.

Primary Angina Symptoms

• Chest pain and pressure are the main symptoms of angina. The pressure can feel like a heavy weight, or severe enough to feel like a vise. This is not typical of heartburn.

Additional Angina Symptoms

• Angina may be accompanied by additional symptoms which are not typical of heartburn. These include nausea, fatigue, sweating, difficulty breathing, lightheadedness or dizziness.

Angina Triggers

• An episode of angina can be caused by exertion, emotional upset or stress. This is not typical of heartburn.

Unstable Angina

• Unstable angina is generally more dangerous than stable angina, with more severe symptoms. It occurs even when a person is resting, and may last up to a half hour. The level of pain and duration are signals that this is not merely heartburn.