Chest pain is scary. The moment you feel a sudden discomfort in your chest, the first thought that pops into your head is, "Am I having a heart attack?"
But wait—what if it’s just gas?
Many people confuse heart attack symptoms with gastric pain, leading to either unnecessary panic or dangerous delays in getting medical help. So, let’s break it down in simple terms: how do you differentiate between the two?
What does a heart attack chest pain feel like?
A heart attack (medically known as a myocardial infarction) happens when blood flow to the heart is blocked, depriving the heart muscle of oxygen. This damage leads to severe symptoms, including a very distinct type of chest pain.
Heart attack pain is typically a pressure, squeezing, or feeling of heaviness in the chest. It is usually likened to the sensation of "an elephant sitting on the chest." It tends to begin in the middle or left side of the chest and can spread to the jaw, arms (the left arm most often), neck, shoulders, or back. The discomfort persists for longer than a few minutes, occasionally appearing and disappearing but never really going away. It may develop suddenly, usually after activity or even when not moving, and is not relieved by burping or position changes.
The pain is associated with shortness of breath, sweating, nausea, dizziness, extreme fatigue, or a sense of impending doom often accompanying a heart attack.
What is gastric chest pain?
Gastric pain, however, is usually caused by acidity, bloating, or retained gas in the gastrointestinal tract. Gastric pain tends to be a sharp, burning, or stabbing pain and not pressure or squeezing. It may be accompanied by bloating. It tends to be localized in the upper abdomen but radiates to the chest, simulating heart pain.
Eating spicy or fatty food, lying down immediately after eating, or experiencing acid reflux can cause gastric chest pain. It usually relieves itself after burping, taking water, or an antacid. It is uncomfortable but not usually life-threatening.
When to seek medical help
If you are experiencing chest pain and are unsure about its cause, it’s always better to err on the side of caution. Seek medical help immediately if the pain is severe and persistent. It spreads to other areas like the jaw, arms, or shoulders. You experience shortness of breath, cold sweats, nausea, or dizziness.
The pain does not improve with burping, drinking water, or taking an antacid.
Don’t self-diagnose when it comes to chest pain. A delay in getting medical attention could be life-threatening in the case of a heart attack.
Stay aware, stay safe, and when in doubt, always consult a doctor!
1/10:Factors that can cause chest pain (other than a heart attack)
TIMESOFINDIA.COM
2/10:Acid reflux
<p>Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or acid reflux occurs when the contents of the stomach flow back up to the esophagus, the tube that connects the throat and stomach. In certain cases it can lead to chest pain.</p>
3/10:Muscle strain
<p>A strained chest muscle or inflammation to the tendons around the rib can also cause non-cardiac chest pain. Worsening of the pain while performing an activity is a sign of muscle strain.</p>
4/10:Costochondritis
<p>Costochondritis is a condition in which the cartilage that connects a rib to the breastbone is inflamed, leading to symptoms akin to a heart attack. </p>
5/10:Asthma
<p>Costochondritis is a condition in which the cartilage that connects a rib to the breastbone is inflamed, leading to symptoms akin to a heart attack. </p>
6/10:Pericarditis
<p>A severe viral infection may lead to the inflammation of the sac around the heart, which can also cause sharp chest pain. </p>
7/10:Panic attack
<p>When a person has a panic attack, they may also experience chest pain along with other symptoms including dizziness, sweating, rapid heartbeat, and fear.</p>
8/10:Pancreatitis
<p>A complication in the pancreas, located just behind the stomach, can also cause chest pain. This is due to the sudden inflammation of the organ.</p>
9/10:Pneumonia
<p>Pneumonia is an infection, caused due to an infection or an inflammation of the sacs in the lungs. This can cause a sharp, stabbing pain in the chest. </p>
