Health experts have revealed 3 main warning signs that heartburn may indicate an unnoticed serious condition.
Heartburn occurs when acid rises into the esophagus, often after eating certain types of food. Essentially, this should not cause an immediate health concern.
However, this condition also overlaps with several other critical medical conditions, such as angina or coronary artery failure.
Chest pain and a burning sensation can indicate a large number of diseases, from chronic acid reflux (GERD) to angina and serious heart complications.
NHS guidelines for heart disease explain: “Symptoms of a heart attack can also be similar to indigestion. For example, they may include a feeling of heaviness in the chest, stomach pain, or heartburn.”
The Mayo Clinic has identified signs that indicate that a burning sensation in the chest is more than just heartburn, which are:
- Pressure and tightness in the chest
Medical care should be sought because it may be an indication of angina, a condition that occurs when your heart does not receive enough oxygen, or is a precursor to a heart attack.
Characteristic signs of angina include discomfort that usually originates behind the breastbone, although it can sometimes be difficult to pinpoint the exact source of the pain.
Feeling a sour taste in the mouth
If you lie down and feel burning due to stomach muscle spasms, the resulting acid may mix with saliva in your throat. It may be evidence of a problem in the intestines and not a problem in the heart.
shortness of breath
Shortness of breath, even at rest, indicates serious heart complications, and may not be caused solely by heartburn.
The Mayo Clinic warns: “Heartburn, angina, and heart attacks may look a lot alike. Even experienced doctors can't always tell the difference from your medical history and physical examination. That's why, if you go to the emergency room because of chest discomfort, you'll undergo a "Immediately undergo tests to rule out a heart attack."
These signs must not be ignored.
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