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. It can also lead to more serious conditions if episodes occur frequently over long periods of time. The stomach acid, for instance, can cause ulcer damage in the esophagus. Frequent heartburn has been attributed to esophageal cancer.

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

The burning sensation that can be either in the middle of the chest or directly below the breastbone is the best way to describe heartburn. This burning typically responds to antacids and it doesn’t radiate to the arms or shoulders, although the pain can travel up the neck. Due to the fact that heartburn can cause an acid build up in the body, it is likely that you will get a sour salty taste in the mouth which very often will turn into the regurgitation of your food.

Heartburn is caused by the malfunctioning of the lower esophageal sphincter. Differentiating between the pain of angina and that of heartburn is important, but to do this you need to understand the physiological process behind each. The lower esophageal sphincter acts like a lid that prevents the contents of the stomach from traveling up the esophagus. If this sphincter doesn’t close properly, stomach acids can leak out and into the esophagus, creating the burning sensation classic of heartburn.

Angina Symptoms

Angina is pain in the chest, less like a burning, that frequently radiates down the arms and into the shoulders. Pressure and tightness of the chest is also another feeling that is associated to angina. Lightheadedness, dizziness and shortness of breath may also accompany angina. If you are looking for distinct symptoms between heartburn and angina, then the presence of these symptoms will definitely help you to decide.

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.
Angina can occur as a result of stress or immediately following an emotional outburst. While stress is said to be a contributing factor to heartburn as well, angina can be identified if it immediately follows a highly stressful situation and comes on suddenly.

So that you can take proper control of your health, our website gives more information about differentiating between heartburn and angina.