Heartburn Symptoms

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September 8, 2007

Heartburn Angina Symptoms – Some Similarities But Many Differences

It is often the case that people are unable to distinguish between heartburn and angina symptoms, especially when suffering from an attack of angina.

Chest pain, as well as discomfort, are symptoms that are similar in both heartburn as well as angina and it is important to be able to distinguish one from the other to get the proper treatment at an early stage.

Chest pain often induces fear in people and rightly so; for it may show that a serious problem, which may even be life threatening, is happening to the patient.

Chest pains and discomforts can also be heartburn or angina symptoms and they require understanding as well as comparing to get to the bottom of the problem.

No doubt, heartburn and angina are symptomatic of chest pains and discomfort but there are other causes as well, including stomach ulcers, panic attacks, muscle problems, pneumonia, heart attacks as well as inflammation around the heart that can cause chest pains.

Heartburn symptoms, besides the usual pain and discomfort in the chest, can also be seen in a sensation of food or liquid regurgitating into the throat as well as having a bitter or acidic taste in the mouth.

Angina symptoms on the other hand, are usually reflected in pain as well as discomfort that are often described as pressure, burning, squeezing or tightness in the chest, which begins in the chest behind the breastbone and may also occur in the arms, neck, shoulder, throat and jaws or in the back.

Some Differences Between The Two Conditions

The primary difference between heartburn and angina symptoms is that, with angina, a person may feel nauseous, fatigued, have shortness of breath, sweat profusely, become lightheaded, and may just generally feel weak.

Such symptoms are not felt in the case of heartburn, and to get proper treatment knowing these different heartburn angina symptoms is important as, by recognizing the different patterns as well as triggers of heartburn and angina symptoms, one will be able to differentiate one condition from the other and not get them mixed with each other.

Normally, heartburn and angina symptoms occur under different circumstances with angina symptoms emanating from physical exertion, emotions, exposure to extreme temperature ranges from very hot to very cold, heavy meals as well as from smoking.

On the other hand, heartburn symptoms come about after eating, and certain foods or activities can also trigger the onset of heartburn.

Some common causes of heartburn symptoms include lying down after large meals, bending over, being overweight and obesity, tobacco products, chocolates, and other foods and drinks containing caffeine as well as alcoholic beverages.

There is certainly an excuse to confuse one with heartburn and angina symptoms as both cause pain in the middle of the chest. Angina will also cause nausea and sweating, symptoms that are not found in heartburn, and the patterns and triggers of the two conditions are also different.

It is thus best to consult a doctor regarding the exact causes of heartburn angina symptoms and get treatment prescribed accordingly.

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September 2, 2007

Heartburn And Heart Attack – Symptoms Are Quite Different

There are many among the estimated twenty-one million Americans that suffer heartburn that choose to suffer in silence rather than get the condition treated by a doctor.

There are as many that are heart condition patients, and even in spite of the fact that heartburn and heart attack are not related, some symptoms that are common to both are known to medical professionals and can be treated successfully.

Doctor Should Be Consulted If Any Heartburn And Heart Attack Symptoms Are Felt

There is no doubt that heartburn and heart attack are not related as the symptoms are different because there is chest pain felt during a heart attack and burning sensation in the center of the chest during heartburn.

Other symptoms that help differentiate heartburn and heart attack include shortness of breath, nausea, sweating as well as vomiting in the case of a heart attack, which are not present in case of heartburn, and in the event of such symptoms being felt, a doctor should be consulted immediately.

While heartburn and heart attack are not linked, a chronic heartburn can be indicative of a more serious condition.

Though heartburn causes burning sensations in the chest, it has nothing to do with a heart attack, except that it contains the word heart in itself, which has no bearing with the heart really.

Another interesting observation regarding the absence of any known relation between heartburn and heart attack is that some medications used to treat and prevent heart attacks may, in fact, increase the risk of heartburn.

It is thus advisable to consult a healthcare professional about any such medications that are being taken to treat heart conditions.

With no apparent linkage between heartburn and heart attack, it becomes necessary to find out what the differences between the two ailment types really are.

Typically, a heart attack symptom manifests it as tightness or pressure or pain in the middle of the chest and the pain spreads to the neck, shoulders as well arms and is predominant to the patient’s left side.

On the other hand, heartburn symptoms are felt as a burning sensation that starts to the rear of the breastbone and ribs and radiates up into the throat, and such pain usually begins immediately after consuming a meal.

What is common to both patients of heartburn and heart attack is that they both have poor eating habits that affect their health adversely. No doubt, genetics also play an influential part, but poor diet always almost contributes to either heartburn or heart attacks.

Knowing the difference between heartburn and heart attack symptoms is important and so, too, is taking timely action by consulting a healthcare professional at the earliest if one is to have a realistic chance of improving and getting much needed relief.

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March 24, 2007

Heartburn Symptoms – How to Spot Them

Heartburn is an uncomfortable burning sensation or pain below the breastbone or sometimes goes up to the neck. Heartburn symptoms usually appear when lying down, after meals or when sleeping. Most of the time, heartburn is due to GERD or gastroesophageal reflux disease – the condition wherein your stomach acid rises back up into your esophagus.

If you experience burning sensations that may mimic the signs of asthma or heart attack, then you may be experiencing heartburn symptoms. You should not disregard these signs and symptoms because it could lead to other serious health conditions.

Heartburn symptoms may also occur due to negative interactions with specific drugs, such as aspirin, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), sedatives, beta-blockers and calcium channel blockers used for high blood pressure, bronchodilators, progestin hormones and other drugs. However, it is not recommended to stop medication without proper medical consultation.

The most common heartburn symptom is the pain described as a burning sensation or feeling in the chest. This sensation usually spreads up to the neck, throat, jaws, arms and back. This is the main reason why many people mistake heartburn with heart attacks.

For this reason, you should never predict that your condition is truly a representation of heartburn symptoms and not heart attacks. Seek medical attention immediately when chest pains occur.

Heartburn symptoms usually occur an hour or less after fatty and protein-rich meals. Chest pains are worse when you are bending forward, lying down or straining your back.

However, it can be easily relieved by standing or sitting upright, drinking water, swallowing saliva or taking medications.

When To Seek Medical Help

Heartburn symptoms may vary from one person to the next. Some people can experience a sour or bitter taste in their mouth after eating, while others may affect their throats. Because different people experience different stressful conditions and eat or drink different foods, they also experience various levels of heartburn.

If the acid in your stomach remains for a longer time, your esophagus can become damaged, making it difficult for you to swallow. In serious cases of heartburn, you can experience dehydration, weight loss, bleeding esophagus or blood in your vomit and bowel movements. Although some of these conditions occur on severe cases of heartburn, it is still best to spot those heartburn symptoms early to ensure proper treatment before it leads to serious health risks.

Seek medical attention when antacids and other medications do not work. Consult your doctor if heartburn persists more than three weeks, even after changing your eating patterns. If you can’t spot heartburn symptoms, but feel like you’re having intense chest pains, call your health care provider immediately.

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