Heartburn and heart attack symptoms often overlap, causing confusion. Knowing the difference is crucial for your safety.

Heart Attack Symptoms:

• Pressure or pain in the center or left side of the chest

• Cold sweat

• Fatigue, more common in women

• Sometimes heartburn or indigestion

• Dizziness or sudden lightheadedness

• Nausea and vomiting

• Pain spreading to the arms, back, jaw, neck, shoulders, or teeth

• Rapid or irregular heartbeat

• Shortness of breath, especially in older adults

Heartburn/Acid Reflux Symptoms:

• Burning chest pain

• Chronic cough

• Hoarseness

• Nausea

• Difficulty or pain when swallowing

• Acid regurgitation into the mouth or throat

Other Possible Causes of Chest Pain:

• Anxiety or stress

• Inflammation in the lungs, heart muscle, or heart lining

• Muscle strain or spasm

• Pneumonia or pulmonary embolism

Ways to Relieve Heartburn at Home:

• Avoid trigger foods: spicy, fatty foods, chocolate, caffeine, tomatoes, peppers

• Sit upright after meals, wait before lying down

• Elevate the head of the bed slightly

• Use antacids or natural remedies like chamomile, ginger, or turmeric

When to Seek Emergency Care:

• Chest pain lasting more than a few minutes

• Severe dizziness or nausea

• Pain spreading to arms, back, neck, jaw, or abdomen

• Shortness of breath

• Cold sweats

Early differentiation between heartburn and heart attack can save lives, so do not ignore severe or persistent chest pain and seek immediate medical attention.