While heartburn is a common problem that plagues millions at one time or another, chronic heartburn can be a symptom of a number of serious diseases ranging from gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) to heart attack. According to the American College of Gastroenterology (ACG), nearly 40 percent of Americans experience heartburn at least once a month. Patients are encouraged to watch for signs of a serious condition if they experience heartburn more than twice a week and have co-occurring symptoms such as sudden weight loss or low blood counts.
GERD
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a severe case of heartburn that can be caused by cancer in the esophagus, ulcers, bleeding in the throat or a constricted esophagus. The symptoms of cancer and ulcers are so similar to those of heartburn that doctors at the ACG report that many patients do not report them to their physicians in time to get early treatment. GERD may be the illness that is causing the frequent heartburn and should be diagnosed when symptoms become more regular and other symptoms appear.
Heart Attack
Many people believe they are experiencing a severe bout of heartburn when they are having a heart attack. The Mayo Clinic recommends patients watch for signs in addition to the shooting pain that may feel like it originates in the belly and shoots up to the chest. In addition to the feelings of heartburn, heart attack victims usually experience sudden crushing pressure in the center of the chest, pain that spreads beyond the chest to the neck, shoulders and arms and sweating, dizziness or nausea. If heartburn seems worse or different than previous episodes, it could be signs of a heart attack.
Cancer
Barrett's esophagus is a precancerous condition that often is diagnosed after repeated severe heartburn attacks. The condition increases the risk of getting esophageal cancer, report doctors at the Mayo Clinic. While heartburn symptoms may continue or be reduced with treatment, there are other signs that could signal the cells have developed into cancer, including sudden weight loss, fatigue and difficulty swallowing. Chest pain that mimics a severe heartburn attack also may indicate the presence of cancer.
Muscle Weakness
Persistent heartburn can be the result of a weakened sphincter muscle, the valve that opens when swallowing. When the sphincter valve becomes weak or damaged, it can open on its own and allow undigested acids to back up into the esophagus. Excess weight also can put pressure on the sphincter valve. Obesity is a major cause of heartburn. Heartburn also can result from eating too much at one sitting or lying down following a big meal, putting excess pressure on the sphincter.
Gastritis
Doctors at the National Institutes of Health report that heartburn is a common side effect of gastritis. Gastritis is a condition that results from a number of issues ranging from increased alcohol consumption to bacterial infections or prolonged used of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen and aspirin. Blood in the stools, bloating or abnormal belching in addition to heartburn can signal gastritis.
