Is it Heartburn or Heart Attack?

Ever sit down after a great meal and feel pains in your chest? Does it make you wonder if this is the beginning of a heart attack or just symptoms of heartburn. How do you tell the difference between the two?

Heartburn is just what it sounds like, a burning sensation that starts in the stomach elevates to the sternum and then into the chest. It is a pain that can come and go.

Once food is swallowed it moves through the esophagus and into the stomach through a small valve that is suppose to stay shut. Sometimes this valve relaxes and opens a little allowing food and digestive acid to back up into the esophagus causing acid reflux. The pain we feel is known as heartburn.

What causes heartburn? It can be a number of things such as a large meal or laying down too soon after you have eaten. It can also be caused by the foods you have eaten like fried fatty foods, highly acidic foods and beverages, caffeine, chocolate, even onions and garlic.

Pregnant women and people who are obese are more likely to suffer from heartburn and its symptoms. Although there is no proven link, it has been said that stress can intensify the pain of heartburn. Stress does not increase the acid reflux in the system but it can intensify the pain of it.

There are several over the counter medications that can help with heartburn such as Rolaids, Tums, Mylanta, Malox and Pepto Bismol for milder cases. For persistent heartburn there are over the counter medications like Previcid, Prilosec, Pepcid, Tagamet and Zantac that can be taken on a daily basis. They are used to regulate the acid in your system and can take a couple of days to get the chemicals in your stomach balances.

If your suffering is more serious than two times a week you may want to consult a physician for more treatment options. A H2 Blocker may be needed to cut off the production of the chemicals that stimulate acid production. Another option may be a Proton Pump Inhibitor which turns off part of the cells that pump acid into the stomach.

For more serious cases surgery may be required to tighten the valve that connects the esophagus to the stomach. Most people try to manage their symptoms themselves until the pain is to much to handle on their own.

In most cases simply changing your eating habits is all it takes for permanent relief. By eating healthy, staying away from fried, greasy foods as well as spicy foods will reduce the number of attacks you experience greatly. Fresh fruits and vegetables, plenty of water and lean meats are recommended.