Heartburn? Or Heart Attack? Learn the warning signs

Surviving a heart attack starts with knowing you're having one.  

Surviving a heart attack starts with knowing you’re having one. Many times, the symptoms of a heart attack can be mistaken for acid indigestion, commonly known as “heartburn.” However, it’s often hard (even for doctors) to tell the difference unless you have certain tests to rule out a heart attack.

Heartburn doesn’t actually affect your heart, but originates when stomach acids rise up into the esophagus, causing chest pain that can mimic the pain of having a heart attack. If you have shortness of breath or sweating with the pain, it may be a heart problem; however, both conditions can cause chest pain that comes and goes, so it’s safer to seek help immediately with any unexplained chest pain.

Heart attack warning signs include:
Shortness of breath
Nausea
Dizziness
Chest pain
Arm pain
A cold sweat

Warning signs can differ in women and may also include:
Neck, back or jaw pain
Fatigue
Dizziness

If you aren’t sure if it’s heartburn or your heart, don’t wait. Call the Baptist Health Emergency Department nearest you immediately. Our specialists diagnose and treat heart attacks quickly, with advanced technologies and innovative therapies that help to save lives and reduce recovery time.

Learn more about Heart Care at Baptist Health or take a free heart health assessment now to assess your chances of developing heart disease.