Overview
Some symptoms of acid reflux (also known as GERD) and heart attack can feel similar, particularly chest discomfort and breathing difficulties. Understanding their differences is crucial for seeking appropriate care.
Disease Summaries
Acid Reflux: A condition where stomach acid flows back up the esophagus (food pipe). It can be caused or worsened by obesity, alcohol, and caffeine. Eating habits also play a role - eating large meals quickly or lying down after meals are known triggers.
Heart Attack: A condition in which the heart is unable to pump sufficient blood to meet the body's oxygen demands. The causes of heart failure can include genetic predispositions as well as lifestyle factors such as smoking, obesity, and other health conditions.
Comparing Symptoms
Overlapping Symptoms
- Chest discomfort
- Shortness of breath
- Difficulty breathing when lying down
- Coughing
Acid Reflux Specific Symptoms
- Burning sensation in chest
- Acid taste in mouth
- Pain worse after meals
- Symptoms improve with antacids
- Upper abdominal pain
Heart Attack Specific Symptoms
- Fatigue and weakness
- Swelling in legs/ankles
- Rapid/irregular heartbeat
- Exercise intolerance
- Sudden weight gain
- Reduced ability to exercise
Treatment Approaches
Acid Reflux Treatment Approaches
Treatment starts with lifestyle changes like eating smaller meals and taking a walk after heavy meals. Medications to reduce stomach acid or speed up digestion may be helpful. In severe cases, patients can undergo procedures or surgery.
Heart Attack Treatment Approaches
Initial treatment focuses on immediate medical intervention with aspirin and medications to dissolve blood clots, along with oxygen therapy. Long-term management includes medications such as blood thinners, beta-blockers, and statins to prevent future attacks and manage heart function. Lifestyle modifications are essential, including regular exercise, a heart-healthy diet, smoking cessation, and stress management.
Reviewed By:
Kenji Taylor, MD, MSc (Family Medicine, Primary Care)
Dr. Taylor is a Japanese-African American physician who grew up and was educated in the United States but spent a considerable amount of time in Japan as a college student, working professional and now father of three. After graduating from Brown, he worked in finance first before attending medical school at Penn. He then completed a fellowship with the Centers for Disease Control before going on to specialize in Family and Community Medicine at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) where he was also a chief resident. After a faculty position at Stanford, he moved with his family to Japan where he continues to see families on a military base outside of Tokyo, teach Japanese residents and serve remotely as a medical director for Roots Community Health Center. He also enjoys editing and writing podcast summaries for Hippo Education.
Aiko Yoshioka, MD (Gastroenterology)
Dr. Yoshioka graduated from the Niigata University School of Medicine. He worked as a gastroenterologist at Saiseikai Niigata Hospital and Niigata University Medical & Dental Hospital before serving as the Deputy Chief of Gastroenterology at Tsubame Rosai Hospital and Nagaoka Red Cross Hospital. Dr. Yoshioka joined Saitama Saiseikai Kawaguchi General Hospital as Chief of Gastroenterology in April 2018.
Content updated on Mar 13, 2024
Following the Medical Content Editorial Policy
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https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10038176/Harvard Health, Heartburn vs. heart attack, 2023
https://www.health.harvard.edu/heart-health/heartburn-vs-heart-attackChen CH, Lin CL, Kao CH. Association between gastroesophageal reflux disease and coronary heart disease: A nationwide population-based analysis. Medicine (Baltimore). 2016 Jul;95(27):e4089.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5058831/