Heartburn or a More Serious Condition? When to Get Chest Pain Checked

Heartburn or a More Serious Condition? When to Get Chest Pain Checked
Heartburn can mimic a heart attack — always seek urgent care if chest pain is sudden, intense, or radiates to the arm or jaw.


Heartburn is often a harmless digestive response, but in some cases, it may indicate an underlying health issue. So, what exactly is heartburn? And when should you consider it a warning sign?

What Is Heartburn?

Heartburn is a burning sensation or discomfort in the chest caused by the backward flow of stomach acid into the esophagus, known as acid reflux.

According to Dr. Matthew Long, Consultant Gastroenterologist at Leicester Hospital in the UK: "Heartburn—also referred to as reflux—is characterized by a burning sensation behind the breastbone. It may radiate to the throat and usually occurs after meals or while lying down. Common symptoms include a bitter taste in the mouth, hoarseness, or a chronic cough."

What Typically Causes Heartburn?

While occasional heartburn is common and may not have a clear cause, it can be triggered or worsened by certain conditions:

  • Acid reflux: Caused by a weakened or abnormally relaxed lower esophageal sphincter (LES).
  • Hiatal hernia: When a part of the stomach pushes up through the diaphragm, allowing acid to rise into the esophagus.
  • Lifestyle factors: Eating late at night, consuming spicy or fatty foods, obesity, and smoking can all aggravate heartburn.

How to Treat Mild or Occasional Heartburn

Dr. Long recommends simple lifestyle adjustments:

  • Eat smaller, more frequent meals
  • Avoid late-night eating
  • Limit spicy and high-fat foods
  • Lose weight if necessary

Over-the-counter treatments like antacids and proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) such as omeprazole can also be effective. If symptoms persist, consult a medical professional.

Heartburn or a Heart Attack?

Symptoms can overlap. Both heartburn and cardiac chest pain may cause burning or pressure sensations in the chest.

However, Dr. Long explains that cardiac pain is usually more intense, can radiate to the arms or jaw, and often occurs during physical exertion. When in doubt—especially if you're at risk of heart disease—treat it as a potential heart attack and call emergency services immediately.

Frequent or Severe Heartburn: A Red Flag?

Persistent heartburn lasting more than 3 weeks may be a sign of a more serious condition like Barrett's esophagus. This condition involves abnormal changes in the cells lining the esophagus and increases the risk of esophageal cancer.

Warning signs to watch for include:

  • Difficulty swallowing
  • Food feeling stuck in the throat or chest
  • Unexplained weight loss
  • Persistent vomiting
  • Iron deficiency anemia

These symptoms warrant an urgent visit to a general practitioner.

When to See a Doctor for Heartburn

Dr. Long advises consulting a healthcare provider if heartburn occurs on most days for over 3 weeks. Immediate medical attention is needed for chest pain that is sudden, severe, or accompanied by sweating, shortness of breath, or pain radiating to the arms or jaw.

Dr. Cameron Brady Green, Consultant Gastroenterologist at St. Bartholomew’s Hospital, adds that individuals over 55 experiencing new heartburn symptoms—or those not responding to PPIs like omeprazole, lansoprazole, or pantoprazole—should also seek professional guidance rather than relying on home remedies.


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