Signs & Symptoms

Heart Burn – Signs and Symptoms

• A burning feeling that starts in the chest, just behind the breastbone (the sternum). It usually occurs just after eating and can last a few minutes to several hours.
• Chest pain, especially after bending over, lying down or eating, more frequent or worse at night
• A burning feeling in the throat
• Sour or bitter taste in the throat/mouth
• Feeling of food “sticking” in the middle of the chest or throat

Gastro esophageal reflux disease

• Heart burn
• Difficulty swallowing
• Belching (burping)
• Chronic coughing
• Hoarseness
• Loss of voice for no apparent reason
• Wheezing or other asthma-like symptoms
• In babies, spitting up or throwing up almost after every meal.

Symptoms of heartburn are often mistaken for signs of a heart attack. Pain from a heart condition is usually made worse by physical activity, but heartburn is not usually caused by physical activity. However, if you think you are having a heart attack, or you're not sure, it's important that you go to the emergency room immediately.

Possible signs of heartburn that could be mistaken for a heart attack include:

• A sharp, burning sensation just below the breastbone or ribs.
• Pain generally does not radiate to the shoulders, neck, or arms, but it can.
• Pain usually comes after meals, when lying on the back, when exercising or when experiencing anxiety.
• Symptoms usually respond quickly to antacids.
• Rarely accompanied by a cold sweat.

Possible signs of angina (severe pain in chest area) or heart attack:

• A feeling of fullness, tightness, or dull pressure or pain generally in the center of the chest.
• The feeling of a belt being tightened around your chest.
• Sudden chest pain or pressure that worsens.
• Dizziness.
• Pain may spread to the shoulders, neck, jaw or arms.
• Pain often responds quickly to nitroglycerin.
• Shortness of breath.
• Often accompanied by a cold sweat.

(Posted by: Vivian)