Acid Reflux or Heart Attack -- Can You Tell the Difference?

It's a frightening experience when pain hits you in the chest region! The first thing you may be thinking is that you're having a heart attack. However, that pain may be an acid reflux attack instead, so how do you tell one from the other? It takes special equipment to really determine what you're suffering from since acid reflux and heart pain may feel very similar.

Don't take the risk of making that decision yourself. If you experience chest pain that lasts more than a few moments, be sure to seek medical care.

 Although you should beware of making the decision yourself as to whether you are having a heart attack or experiencing acid reflux, here are some ways in which these two conditions may differ:

1. With a heart attack comes a strong feeling of pressure or squeezing that is very uncomfortable and probably painful. This pain will last for quite a while. If it doesn't last more than 10 minutes, it probably is not a heart attack. The pain could be caused by in angina though and you need to see a doctor for that condition.

2. If you feel a painful burning sensation in your throat, that is probably acid reflux, which is caused by acid backing up from your stomach into your esophagus.

3. If exercise seems to bring on pain that's located in your chest region, it could be related to your heart since exercise usually doesn't aggravate acid reflux.

4. If the pain travels from your chest area to your arms, shoulders, neck or jaw, that is probably a symptom of a heart attack or angina.

5. If you experience pain after eating, that is a possible sign of acid reflux or heartburn.

Any pain in your chest is serious enough to warrant your seeking medical attention, so even if you have been diagnosed as an acid reflux sufferer, don't assume that every pain in your chest region is due to that condition.

Here are further topics about acid reflux to research on the internet:

acid reflux disease and diet

acid reflux in children

natural remedy for acid reflux

natural remedies for acid reflux

what causes acid reflux

advair & acid reflux

diet for acid reflux

recipes for acid reflux

acid reflux home remedy

home remedies for acid reflux