Q. Sometimes when I am running, I suddenly get heartburn. I
understand that a heart attack causes similar pain. How can I
distinguish heartburn from a heart attack?
A. This is a very important question. If you are not familiar with
the different symptoms, you may shrug off a heart attack as just
heartburn. This could be a fatal error. Heart attacks must be
treated as soon as possible. About one-fourth of heart attack
victims die within one hour after symptoms begin. But the chances
of survival nearly triple if medical care is received within that
first critical hour. Here are the basic symptoms of a heart attack
and heartburn:
Heart Attack. Pressure, squeezing, or pain in your chest, that may
radiate to your shoulders, neck, jaw, arms, or upper back. Women
are more likely than men to experience mild chest pain without the
crushing sensation. These symptoms are frequently accompanied by a
fast heartbeat, shortness of breath, sweating, lightheadedness,
dizziness, nausea, or vomiting.
If you think you are having a heart attack, call 911 immediately,
or have someone rush you to the hospital. While you are waiting,
take an aspirin tablet.
Heartburn. Burning in your chest, sometimes accompanied by a bitter
taste in your mouth.
The burning sensation is felt up and down the center of the chest,
behind your breast bone, with no radiating pain.
The basic way to treat heart burn is to make lifestyle changes. For
example, avoid foods and drinks that aggravate the condition.
Chocolate, peppermint, alcohol, onions, garlic, tomatoes, high fat
goodies, coffee, carbonated beverages, and acidic drinks like
orange juice are primary culprits. Eat small meals and eat slowly.
Avoid tight belts. Dont smoke. Dont lie down after eating; this
increases the burning sensation. If you feel the typical heartburn
sensation, take an antacid (Mylanta, Rolaids, Tums). The pain
should subside within a few minutes.
End Note. Physical activity increases the likelihood of heartburn.
Exercise slows the emptying of foods and liquids from the stomach
and increases the sloshing around of the stomach contents so that
they seep into the esophagus during the activity. The most obvious
solution here is to eat a light and easily digestible meal at least
two hours before exercising. Also, although heartburn problems are
usually not severe and can be self-treated with over-the-counter
medications, if you have continuing, persistent discomfort, see
your doctor. Chronic heartburn can cause serious esophagus
problems. Of course, if you have any question as to whether you are
experiencing a heart attack or heart burn, take no chances. Get
medical attention without delay.
