Am I having heartburn or a heart attack?
Heartburn is miserable. A heart attack can be deadly.
If you're not sure if your chest pain is a heart attack or something else, don't take any chances. Call 911 and, if available, chew an aspirin. Quick medical intervention to open blocked arteries can minimize long-term damage to your heart.
When you experience pain and pressure in your chest, knowing the difference can save your life.
Symptoms of a heart attack
Heart attack symptoms include chest pain, pressure, tightness or squeezing that lasts more than a few minutes. They may spread to your back, neck, jaw, stomach, shoulders or arms and be more noticeable during physical activity or extreme stress.
You may also have:
- Shortness of breath or trouble breathing
- Sweating
- Light-headedness, dizziness or feel faint
- Indigestion, nausea or vomiting
- Irregular pulse
- Unusual fatigue or weakness
- Tingling in the hands or feet
Chest pain is more likely heart trouble if you:
- Have diabetes
- Smoke
- Are overweight/obese
- Have high cholesterol and/or high blood pressure
- Have a family history of heart disease
- Have had a previous heart attack or heart disease
Minutes count, so call 9-1-1
If you're not sure if your chest pain is a heart attack or something else, don't take any chances. Seek medical help right away and, if available, chew an aspirin. Quick medical intervention to open blocked arteries can minimize long-term damage to the heart muscle.
Symptoms of heartburn
Heartburn symptoms include a burning sensation and pain in your chest. They may last a few minutes or several hours. You likely have heartburn if:
- There’s a sour/unpleasant taste in your mouth
- The pain starts after eating fatty or spicy foods, or a large meal
- The pain is worse when lying down or bending over