The Difference Between Heartburn And Angina Symptoms

Heartburn Angina Symptoms

The symptoms of heartburn and indigestion can mimic those of angina. The burning sensation that starts behind or directly below the breastbone (sternum) is heartburn, but pains to the chest, which are caused by a lack of blood flow to the heart is definitely angina. The sensations can be very similar, but it’s very important to be able to tell the difference.

Angina can be an indication of heart disease or a sign of a heart attack and therefore requires medical attention. Heartburn, is rarely an urgent matter in mild cases and does not generally require medical attention. For those of us that experience it, heartburn is uncomfortable and inconvenient. Frequent episodes can lead to more serious conditions over a long period of time. Ulcers, caused by stomach acid can develop in the esophagus along with esophageal cancer which has been attributed to frequent heartburn sufferers.

Heartburn Symptoms – What Does Heartburn Feel Like? And How Long Does Heartburn Last?

The best way to describe heartburn, is that you will feel a burning sensation either in the middle of the chest or direcly below the breastbone. This burning typically responds to antacids and it doesn’t radiate to the arms or shoulders, although the pain can travel up the neck. Heartburn can also cause an acidic, salty or sour taste in the mouth and can sometimes cause regurgitation.

Heartburn is caused by the malfunctioning of the lower esophageal sphincter. Understanding the physiological process behind heartburn can be helpful in differentiating the pain from angina. The lower esophageal sphincter acts like a lid that prevents the contents of the stomach from traveling up the esophagus. The burning sensation that is classic to heartburn is brought about via the sphincter not closing propely; the stomach acids leak out into the esophagus, creating the burning feeling.

Angina Symptoms

Angina is pain in the chest, less like a burning, that frequently radiates down the arms and into the shoulders. Angina can also involve a feeling of tightness and pressure in the chest. Lightheadedness, dizziness and shortness of breath may also accompany angina. These symptoms are a definite sign between angina and heartburn and will help you to distinguish the difference.

Heartburn or indigestion can be symptoms of those patients experiening angina. You could be suffering from something more serious if you have symptoms other than heartburn, as it’s very rare that heartburn will be the only symptom of angina.
A stressful situation or an emotional outburst can result in an angina attack. Heartburn can be bought about via stress, but if the pain comes on suddenly and has followed a very stressful situation then it is more likely to be angina.

Differentiating between heartburn and angina is described further on our webstie; view today in order to take proper control of your health.