The confusion between the symptoms of a heart attack and common indigestion represents a significant health risk that can lead to dangerous delays in seeking medical treatment. Since the chest cavity houses both the esophagus and the heart, the body’s nervous system sometimes struggles to pinpoint the exact source of pain in this area. Understanding the fundamental differences between a life-threatening cardiac event and a more common digestive issue is important.
Common Symptoms of Indigestion
Indigestion, medically known as dyspepsia, is discomfort originating in the upper abdomen that often includes a sensation of burning in the lower chest. This burning feeling, commonly called heartburn, is a primary symptom of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or acid reflux. Heartburn occurs when stomach acid flows back up into the esophagus, irritating the sensitive lining of the food pipe. The discomfort is typically located behind the breastbone, sometimes traveling up toward the throat, and may leave a sour or acidic taste.
Symptoms frequently appear soon after eating a large meal or consuming specific trigger foods, such as spicy, fatty, or acidic items. Lying down or bending over can also increase the pressure that pushes stomach contents upward, often worsening the burning sensation. Other common digestive symptoms include belching, bloating, nausea, and an uncomfortable feeling of fullness. Relief is often quickly found by taking over-the-counter antacids, which neutralize the stomach acid.
Recognizing the Signs of a Heart Attack
A heart attack, or myocardial infarction, occurs when blood flow to a section of the heart muscle is severely reduced or blocked, usually by a blood clot. The classic presentation involves intense pressure, tightness, or a crushing sensation in the center of the chest. This discomfort may last for more than a few minutes or can go away and return intermittently. The pain associated with a cardiac event frequently radiates beyond the chest, traveling down one or both arms, particularly the left, or spreading to the neck, jaw, back, or stomach.
Many individuals, especially women, older adults, and people with diabetes, may experience less obvious or atypical symptoms. Women are more likely to report symptoms like extreme or unexplained fatigue, pain only in the back or jaw, and nausea or vomiting without the classic chest pressure. For those with diabetes, nerve damage from the condition can mask the typical chest pain entirely, leading to a “silent heart attack.” Symptoms in these cases may only include lightheadedness, shortness of breath, or a cold sweat. Any combination of these symptoms indicates a potential medical emergency.
Critical Factors That Distinguish the Two
The nature and triggers of the pain are the most telling factors when distinguishing between a heart attack and indigestion. Heart attack pain is often brought on or worsened by physical exertion or emotional stress, as the heart struggles to meet the body’s increased demand for oxygen. Indigestion, conversely, is most often directly related to the intake of food or a change in body position, such as reclining soon after a meal.
The quality of the discomfort also differs significantly. Cardiac pain is typically a non-burning pressure, squeezing, or heaviness, while digestive pain has a distinct burning quality. Symptoms caused by acid reflux are frequently and quickly relieved by antacids. Heart attack pain, however, will persist and is not relieved by digestive aids or by resting.
Associated symptoms provide further differentiation. A heart attack is commonly accompanied by sudden, profuse cold sweating, unexplained dizziness, or severe shortness of breath. Indigestion is more likely to feature gas, burping, or regurgitation. If the discomfort lasts longer than 15 minutes and is not alleviated by antacids or a change in position, it should be treated as a cardiac issue.
Immediate Action When in Doubt
If you are experiencing chest discomfort and are unsure whether it is indigestion or a heart attack, immediately treat the situation as a cardiac emergency. The average person waits several hours before seeking help, a delay that can cause permanent heart damage. The first step is to call 911 or your local emergency services number.
While waiting for emergency medical services (EMS) to arrive, sit down and rest quietly. If you are not allergic to aspirin and have been advised by a medical professional or the 911 dispatcher, chew one regular-strength 300mg aspirin. Chewing the aspirin allows it to enter the bloodstream faster, which can help prevent further blood clotting. Do not attempt to drive yourself to the hospital, as EMS personnel can begin providing life-saving treatment and monitoring immediately upon arrival.