When Is It Heartburn And When Do You Call 911?

The heart is the most important part of the body. If your heart shuts down, you shut down. And with heart disease being the number one killer in the United States, we should be sensitive to exactly what is going on with it.

 

The question is, what is normal? If you feel heartburn that is searing, should you jump the gun and call an ambulance? If you are exercising and feel a slight pain in your chest, should you go to the hospital?

The answer to all, is yes.

If you are experiencing any chest pains at all, get it checked out. You never can be too careful.

What About Heartburn?

Heartburn is a common experience for most people. The thing is, it doesn’t have anything to do with your heart! Heartburn is really something called acid reflux. Acid reflux is when the acid in your stomach splashes up into your food pipe. This causes that burning sensation that you feel in your chest.

 

If you are experiencing heartburn, you can take antacids that can cure you right up.

The difference between heartburn and a heart attack?

Usually, a heart attack is sudden. The symptoms usually appear drastically, but in some cases they have been known to be gradual. The symptoms of a heart attack include but are not limited to, pain that is squeezing or feels like pressure built up, pain that feels like something heavy is on your chest, and it all usually lasts for more than a few minutes. Other common symptoms of a heart attack are cold sweats, vomiting, shortness of breath, and immediate fatigue.

Symptoms of acid reflux, or heartburn, is more of a burning feeling. It can cause you to burp and the burning can range from the top of your abdomen, up through your chest, even to your throat. This will usually subside after a few minutes.

When in doubt. Call 911 or go to the hospital.

If you have a feeling in your chest you are unfamiliar with, go get it checked out. You would rather have a doctor tell you that it is acid reflux, then not be seen for a heart attack. If you have chronic acid reflux, you will be able to identify it and not worry.