Pain In Chest? You May Be Having A Heart Attack
Updated: Apr 14, 2021
You must know that the pain in the chest can be a heart attack sign. Minutes matter. Fast action can save lives - maybe your own. However, chest pain is also a common symptom of other, less serious conditions, such as gastroesophageal reflux disease or acidity.
You need to know the difference between the pain in chest is GERD OR Heart Attack.
You Must Know Acid Reflux Meaning
The process of fluid or food, including acid, coming up into the esophagus (muscular tube that connects your mouth and your stomach) causing symptoms or complications is Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
Approximately 5-10% of acid reflux induces heartburn, which typically happens within 30 to 60 minutes of feeding. GERD symptoms can also include hoarseness, coughing, and trouble swallowing. When bent over or lying down, heartburn is often worse and can be associated with ulcers, sore throat, asthma symptoms such as cough, or dental erosion. Obesity is, but is not always involved, a significant factor in acid reflux. Smoking, dining late at night and consumption of caffeine are some risk factors. Changes in diet and lifestyle also help relieve symptoms, but some people need medication.
According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, a person who experiences acid reflux more than two times a week for a few weeks may have GERD.
Pain In Chest due to Heart Attack
When the blood flow to the heart muscles becomes completely blocked, heart attacks occur. Part of the heart muscle can die if a person does not receive immediate treatment.
Pressure or discomfort that usually occurs in the middle or left side of the chest is a common symptom of a heart attack. This pain can come and go, and it can vary from mild to extreme in severity. It can also sometimes feel like heartburn or indigestion.
Both Acidity Pain In Chest and Heart Attack chest pain can occur in the center of the chest behind the breastbone. Acidity chest pain tends to feel like an intense stabbing or burning sensation just beneath the surface of the skin whereas cardiac chest pain usually remains stable, even while resting.
You Need To Try Acid Reflux Home Remedies
Throughout the day, patients can have multiple small meals in a comfortable atmosphere as much as possible and wait 3-4 hours before lying down after eating. Limit the use of peppermint, spearmint, chocolate, beer, caffeinated drinks, caffeinated, decaffeinated coffee, black tea, garlic, onions and tomato items, foods rich in added fats, including fried foods, pastries, large amounts of nuts/nut butters and carbonated beverages. Acidic or spicy foods may be problematic and should be avoided as needed. Foods that make you burp could cause more reflux.
Remedies that are said to help with some heartburn and reflux include:
Apple cider vinegar
Ginger
Aloe vera juice
Bananas
Turmeric
Honey
Marshmallow
Medications
Over-the-counter medications may also be used to treat occasional acid reflux. It's important to take only one type of medication to treat acid reflux at a time. It's a good idea to consult a physician on which type of acid reflux treatment to take. Some of the medications that might be used include:4
Antacids: These drugs work by neutralizing the acids in the stomach. Some name brands include Tums, Maalox, Rolaids, or Mylanta.
Bismuth subsalicylate: This medication limits the flow of fluids and electrolytes into the intestines. It is sold as Pepto-Bismol.
H2-receptor blockers: These reduce the amount of acid created in the stomach lining. They work quickly, often in 15 to 30 minutes, and the effects may last for about 12 hours. Examples are Axid AR (nizatidine), Pepcid Complete or Pepcid AC (famotidine), Tagamet (cimetidine), and Zantac (ranitidine).
Proton pump inhibitors: These also affect the stomach lining and reduce the amount of acid produced. It takes approximately an hour for them to work but they may last for 24 hours. The effect is increased when they’re taken for several days in a row. They include Nexium (esomeprazole), Prevacid (lansoprazole), and Prilosec (omeprazole).
A heart attack is a medical emergency, so it is vital to be able to tell the difference between heartburn and cardiac chest pain. It may be a sign of a heart attack if chest pain extends to other parts of the body, such as the arms or jaw, or develops with symptoms like shortness of breath and a sensation of tightness in the chest. If pain in the chest lasts longer than a couple of minutes, call 102 or 108 Ambulance services.
A person who suspects that they or someone else is having a heart attack should immediately call 102 or 108 Ambulance services or go straight to the emergency room. It is also advisable to see a doctor about any unexplained chest pain, even if it goes away on its own.
Reference
Commentaires