How can I tell if I am having heartburn, angina or a heart attack?

Heart pain is generally very severe and increases gradually, where heartburn comes on after eating a large meal and then lying down. Learn more about the differences between heartburn, angina and a heart attack.

Transcript

00:00

We actually see people who come to the hospital because they're having chest pain and it ends up being heartburn.

00:18

A key thing here is that if you ever think you're having a heart attack, call your doctor or do go to the closest hospital. That's very important.

00:25

But heartburn is really reflux of acids from your stomach into your lower esophagus and can give you burning pain or intense pain

00:33

in the middle of your chest or in the pit of the stomach, made worse if you lie down, bend over, or it actually can wake you up in the middle of the night.

00:41

Now pain that's coming from your heart, angina or a heart attack, is also can be intense pain.

00:47

In women, it can actually be nausea or extreme fatigue. But it generally comes on with exertion, may wake you up,

00:54

but it gets worse in intensity, is often accompanied by extreme sweating, nausea, shortness of breath.

01:02

And angina is made worse if you walk or exert yourself. So heart problems or heart pain generally is very severe,

01:12

increases in severity over time, and has accompanying symptoms of severe sweating, radiating to your arm or your jaw,

01:20

whereas heartburn often comes on after eating a large meal and laying down. But if you're ever in question, check with your doctor.