A series of signs that a heart attack is coming, often thought to be 'just' a symptom of GERD

You’re relaxing at home after a delicious meal. You notice you don’t feel quite right. You have an upset stomach. There is a burning sensation in your chest area.

Is it heartburn from indigestion? Could it be a heart attack?

Chest discomfort is the most common symptom of a heart attack, which can be life-threatening. But it can also be a sign of heartburn, which has nothing to do with the heart and is a common symptom of indigestion.

Acid reflux or GERD-related chest discomfort typically feels like a burning sensation that also affects your throat and stomach.

The most common symptom of GERD is persistent heartburn, which may involve:

50.     A burning feeling in your stomach that may rise to your chest, neck, and throat
50.     A sour or bitter taste at the back of your mouth
50.     Regurgitation of food or liquid from your stomach into your mouth

Other possible symptoms of GERD include:

50.     A feeling of fullness or of a lump in the back of your throat (globus sensation)
50.     Chronic cough
50.     A hoarse voice
50.     Bad breath

In some cases, people may experience symptoms associated with GERD. These are typically persistent and could progressively worsen despite medical treatment. Alarm symptoms may also indicate an underlying condition.

Alarm symptoms may include:

50.     Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia)
50.     Pain when swallowing (odynophagia)
50.     Nausea or vomiting
50.     Weight loss
50.     Anemia
50.     Bleeding

Heartburn and heart attacks are two common causes of chest pain. However, their causes and sensations are typically different:

50. Heartburn may occur when acidic contents of your stomach move back up into your esophagus. This may cause a burning sensation that rises from your stomach and radiates into your chest.
50. Heart attack is when your heart doesn’t get enough blood and oxygen due to a reduced flow of blood in one or more major arteries. This may cause sudden, uncomfortable, or sharp pain in the center or left side of your chest that feels like pressure or squeezing. It could spread to your neck, jaw, and shoulder too.

Early diagnosis and treatment can help reduce or even stop uncomfortable GERD symptoms. Untreated GERD can cause permanent damage to the esophagus.

You'll probably find that one of the simplest ways to make living with GERD easier is to avoid the things that trigger your symptoms. Some people will have to limit certain foods; others may have to give them up entirely. It all depends on your symptoms.

It can be hard to give up sodas or favorite foods at first. But after a while, lots of people discover that they feel so much better that they don't miss the problem foods as much as they thought they would.

If you’re feeling any heart attack symptoms, such as shortness of breath or faintness, get medical assistance immediately.