Warning signs of a heart attack that may be misunderstood as indigestion

Heart diseases are the leading cause of death worldwide. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), it accounts for an estimated 17.9 million lives every year. However, because cardiovascular conditions like a heart attack are so common especially in older adults, the symptoms are often misdiagnosed or overlooked.

There's always a chance you may blame your chest discomfort on a big meal you ate for lunch or neglect it because you think the burning sensation is due to indigestion. But knowing the exact source of your pain is crucial. That said, let us first differentiate between a heart attack and indigestion.

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Heart attack and a heartburn may feel very similar, especially in terms of symptoms. However, the two conditions are very different in terms of severity.

Heart attacks are a result of blocked arteries, which could occur either due to the fatty, cholesterol-containing deposits built up over time or because of ruptures in the plaque that form a clot. This can be life-threatening and can even cause death.

On the contrary, heartburn is pain caused when digestive acids move into the tube, also known as esophagus, that carries swallowed food to the stomach.

Some of the symptoms of a heart attack may overlap with an indigestion or a heartburn and may cause great confusion. That said, here are some symptoms associated with heart attack that may be misunderstood as indigestion.

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According to Harvard Health Publishing, burning chest pain that begins at the breastbone could be a sign of heartburn (GERD).

Similarly, the American Heart Association (AHA) states, "Most heart attacks involve discomfort in the center of the chest that lasts more than a few minutes – or it may go away and then return. It can feel like uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, fullness or pain."

Given that both the conditions can trigger chest discomfort, the best way to get yourself diagnosed is through tests and heart screenings. Also, if you experience constant, persistent pressure, tightness, pain, or a squeezing or aching sensation in your chest or arms that may spread to your neck, jaw or back, call for medical support immediately.

Heart attack can also cause lightheadedness, nausea and vomiting, as per the AHA. In case of a heart attack, stomach issues may seem unlikely or almost impossible, which is why they may be often ignored.

When a heart attack occurs, the organ finds it difficult to pump sufficient blood and oxygen to different parts of the body due to blockage, including the digestive tract. This leads to a decline in the pH levels of the stomach, causing several gastrointestinal issues such as nausea and vomiting. These symptoms may also overlap with stomach problems associated with indigestion. According to Mayo Clinic, nausea or vomiting or abdominal pain are also some of the tell-tale signs of heartburn.

While there are similarities in the symptoms between a heart attack and indigestion, there are also certain differences that may help you tell them apart.

Some of the common signs of a heart attack include:

- Shortness of breath

- Cold sweats or anxiety

- Chest pain that are sudden and severe

- Persistence of the symptoms even after taking antacids

That said, symptoms that may arise with indigestion or heartburn are less severe. Along with chest pain and nausea, it also causes regurgitation, which is when a small amount of stomach contents rise up into the back of your throat. Additionally it may be accompanied with a sour taste. However, these can be relieved with antacids.

To prevent something so lethal as a heart attack, knowing whether you are at risk is important.

According to the AHA, increasing age, heredity, gender, lifestyle habits such as smoking, drinking and substance abuse, and underlying health conditions like high blood cholesterol and hypertension can all be major risk factors of a heart attack. Additionally, leading a sedentary lifestyle, being obese or overweight, or taking a lot of stress can also increase your risk.

It is also important to eat healthy and indulge in balanced nutrition. Exercising regularly can help improve your heart health and giving up on unhealthy habits can promote longevity.