Distinguishing Between Chest Pain Caused by GERD and a Deadly Heart Attack
Some people often have difficulty distinguishing between chest pain caused by GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease) and a deadly heart attack. This is because both of these diseases have similar chest pain symptoms.
As reported by detikHealth, chest pain caused by GERD and heart attacks have several differences. A classic heart attack involves sudden and severe chest pain as well as difficulty breathing. This is often triggered by physical activity.
However, the signs and symptoms of a heart attack can vary from person to person. A burning sensation in the chest can accompany other symptoms of a heart attack.
Common symptoms of a heart attack include pressure, tightness, or a squeezing or aching sensation in the chest or arm that can spread to the neck, jaw, or back. There are also symptoms of nausea, indigestion, heartburn, or stomach pain. Then there is shortness of breath, cold sweats, fatigue, to sudden dizziness or lightheadedness.
Meanwhile, chest pain caused by GERD tends to feel like a sharp or burning sensation in the middle of the chest right behind the breastbone or below the breastbone. The burning sensation in the chest tends to remain localised, meaning it does not spread to other areas. Other symptoms include pain or difficulty swallowing, bloating, belching or hiccups, bad breath, sore or irritated throat, to an unpleasant or sour taste in the mouth.
Explanation from a Doctor
Cardiologist Dr. dr. Muhammad Yamin SpJP (K) explained that there are several signs of a heart attack and GERD that are similar. For example, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, and cold sweats.
“So, don’t assume that all GERD symptoms are just GERD. So, if we, for example, have just finished an activity, exercise, or are under severe stress and our stomach hurts, especially if it spreads to the chest, neck, don’t immediately assume it’s GERD,” said Dr. Yamin to detikcom some time ago.
“Maybe if the (symptoms) appear for the first time, it’s okay. If it happens repeatedly, it must be checked out (by a doctor). Especially for people over the age of 35 and with risk factors, such as smoking, hypertension, high cholesterol, obesity, having a family member with heart disease, or diabetes,” he continued.
In fact, there are characteristic symptoms that can distinguish between a heart attack and GERD. According to Dr. Yamin, the classic symptoms of a heart attack usually feel like chest pain in the middle, radiating to the neck or left arm. This is triggered by activity, exercise, or emotions. In general, these symptoms subside with rest.
However, there are 5-10 percent of cases that are atypical. The symptoms felt can be different. “Sometimes it’s just a sharp pain. Including shortness of breath, sometimes some people feel short of breath. In elderly people with diabetes, it is usually shortness of breath, not pain,” he said.
This article has been published on detikHealth. Read the full article here!
(iws/iws)