Acid reflux, often called GERD or GED, can sometimes mimic the symptoms of a heart attack. Reflux is caused by stomach acids escaping the stomach and traveling up the esophagus. A heart attack, on the other hand, is caused by a lack of oxygen supply to heart tissue. Because early response to a heart attack is key to survival, learning to recognize the differences between the two is vital.
Chest Pain or Discomfort
One of the main signs of a heart attack is pain or discomfort in the chest region. Acid reflux, however, can also cause similar symptoms. There are differences between the two that can help identify which is which. Acid reflux tends to feel like burning in the middle of the chest, according to the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse. Heart attack pain, on the other hand, feels like squeezing, or like extreme pressure (or crushing) on the chest. Additionally, acid reflux pain and discomfort often goes away after taking an antacid, while heart attack pain persists.
Nausea
Nausea in acid reflux often occurs soon after a meal, according to the National Institutes of Health. Nausea may be a sign of a heart attack as well. However, according to the Mayo Clinic, nausea is more commonly a secondary heart attack symptom. While a person having a heart attack may have nausea and vomiting as the only symptoms, more frequently nausea is accompanied by chest pains. Unlike the nausea associated with reflux, nausea accompanying a heart attack may occur at any time, not just after a meal.
Radiating Pain
Radiating pain is more common in a heart attack, but may occur during acid reflux as well. Someone having acid reflux may experience pain and discomfort in the abdomen, according to the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse. Like other reflux pain, this is often felt as burning. A heart attack can also cause radiating pain and stomach discomfort. However, heart attack pain also commonly radiates to the arms, neck, jaw or back. According to the Mayo Clinic, this usually occurs in conjunction with chest pain; however, it is possible for radiating pain to be the only heart attack symptom.
Breathing Difficulties
Breathing problems are also common to both heart attack and acid reflux. The National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse reports that some adults and children may experience asthma-like symptoms as part of their acid reflux. This may include wheezing or a dry cough. During a heart attack, however, there may be shortness of breath or difficulty breathing. This may or may not be accompanied by chest pain, according to the Mayo Clinic, and may cause lightheadedness or a faint feeling.
Warning
The American Heart Association warns that while most heart attacks are intense and cause severe chest pain, a person can also have a heart attack with milder symptoms. These symptoms can mimic acid reflux or other conditions. If these symptoms are new to you, or if your reflux symptoms seem more intense than normal, seek prompt medical attention. It can mean the difference between life and death.
