A heart attack, or myocardial infarction, is a devastating and potentially fatal condition in which your heart does not receive enough blood flow. According to the Mayo Clinic, when the coronary arteries become blocked with cholesterol (a fatty substance found in food and made in your liver) the arteries begin to spasm, impeding the flow of blood to the heart. A heart attack is unpredictable and can occur at any moment. Heavy meals have been linked with increased risk of heart attack. When symptoms are experienced after eating, they can sometimes be mistaken for indigestion.
Chest Pain
Chest pain is the most common symptom of a heart attack. It is also a symptom of such digestive system conditions as heartburn or gastroesophageal reflux disease (or GERD, a condition in which stomach acid backs up in the esophagus). Sometimes this discomfort can signal stomach ulcers or gallbladder problems, as well.
Heart attack pain can give a sensation that's crushing, heavy or squeezing in nature. It may radiate from your chest to your arm, neck, teeth, jaw, back or stomach, says the Mayo Clinic. Usually, the pain lasts 20 minutes or longer.
Each person experiences a heart attack differently with symptoms ranging from mild to severe. If you have chest discomfort that persists, it's best to seek medical attention.
Heavy Meals and Heart Attacks
According to the Mercksource.com, your risk for a heart attack increases four-fold 2 hours after eating a heavy meal. The heart beats faster, sending blood racing from your heart to your digestive organs after consuming food. This can increase your risk of suffering a massive heart attack.
Nausea and Sweating
Nausea and sweating are also common symptoms of a heart attack. This can also be mistaken for an upset stomach, particularly if you've recently eaten a meal. According to the Mayo Clinic, the sweating that is related to a heart attack may be so excessive that you may soak your shirt and undergarments. This sweating is a normal response to the stress your body experiences during a heart attack.
Other Symptoms
According to MedlinePlus, you may also experience anxiety, trouble breathing, vomiting, an irregular heartbeat and lightheadedness when you suffer a heart attack. Call your doctor if you experience these dangerous symptoms.
