Q. Sometimes when I am running, I suddenly get heartburn. I understand that a heart attack causes similar pain. How can I distinguish heartburn from a heart attack?
A. This is a very important question. If you are not familiar with the different symptoms, you may shrug off a heart attack as just heartburn. This could be a fatal error. Heart attacks must be treated as soon as possible. About one-fourth of heart attack victims die within one hour after symptoms begin. But the chances of survival nearly triple if medical care is received within that first critical hour. Here are the basic symptoms of a heart attack and heartburn:
Heart Attack. Pressure, squeezing, or pain in your chest, that may radiate to your shoulders, neck, jaw, arms, or upper back. Women are more likely than men to experience mild chest pain without the crushing sensation. These symptoms are frequently accompanied by a fast heartbeat, shortness of breath, sweating, lightheadedness, dizziness, nausea, or vomiting.
If you think you are having a heart attack, call 911 immediately, or have someone rush you to the hospital. While you are waiting, take an aspirin tablet.
Heartburn. Burning in your chest, sometimes accompanied by a bitter taste in your mouth.
The burning sensation is felt up and down the center of the chest, behind your breast bone, with no radiating pain.
The basic way to treat heart burn is to make lifestyle changes. For example, avoid foods and drinks that aggravate the condition. Chocolate, peppermint, alcohol, onions, garlic, tomatoes, high fat goodies, coffee, carbonated beverages, and acidic drinks like orange juice are primary culprits. Eat small meals and eat slowly. Avoid tight belts. DonÂ’t smoke. DonÂ’t lie down after eating; this increases the burning sensation. If you feel the typical heartburn sensation, take an antacid (Mylanta, Rolaids, Tums). The pain should subside within a few minutes.
End Note. Physical activity increases the likelihood of heartburn. Exercise slows the emptying of foods and liquids from the stomach and increases the sloshing around of the stomach contents so that they seep into the esophagus during the activity. The most obvious solution here is to eat a light and easily digestible meal at least two hours before exercising. Also, although heartburn problems are usually not severe and can be self-treated with over-the-counter medications, if you have continuing, persistent discomfort, see your doctor. Chronic heartburn can cause serious esophagus problems. Of course, if you have any question as to whether you are experiencing a heart attack or heart burn, take no chances. Get medical attention without delay.
