Having chest pain can be alarming. Is it heartburn or a heart attack? Heartburn, also called acid reflux, is more likely; about 60 million people experience heartburn at least once a month, and about 15 million get it daily. By comparison, about 805,000 people a year have a heart attack.
However, figuring out which condition you have may be a matter of life or death. In this month’s blog, fellowship-trained bariatric surgeon Michael Sutker, MD, shares important information on how to recognize the cause of your chest pain — and what to do next.
Acid reflux occurs when acid from your stomach flows back up into your esophagus because of a weakened lower esophageal sphincter (LES) muscle. With a heart attack or angina, chest pain is caused primarily by coronary artery disease (CAD), as the result of insufficient blood flow to the heart’s arteries.
Both conditions can cause chest discomfort. However, the pain for each feels different, is triggered by different factors, and is accompanied by different additional symptoms. For starters, a heart attack or angina is usually triggered by activity or exertion, and acid reflux often follows a big meal.
Heart-related chest pain symptoms include:
Severe reflux symptoms include:
While it can be hard to gauge the origin of your chest pain — or know for sure whether its intensity is cause for concern — your accompanying symptoms can guide your next steps.
If your chest pain or pressure is sudden and severe or crushing, you suspect it’s a heart attack, or if your chest pain is persistent or accompanied by shortness of breath or radiating pain, seek emergency care by calling 911 right away.
If you suspect you’re likely having heartburn, schedule a visit with Dr. Sutker. If your diagnosis is acid reflux or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), a chronic form of acid reflux, he’ll recommend treatment based on your symptoms and the severity of your acid reflux. This may involve:
If conservative treatments fail to relieve or reduce your acid reflux episodes, you may be a candidate for minimally invasive anti-reflux surgery, such as fundoplication or the LINX® Reflux Management System procedure.
Do you suspect that your burning chest discomfort is acid reflux — or something else? Call Michael Sutker, MD, PA, in Dallas, Texas, today, or use our online booking feature to request an appointment at your convenience.
