Knowing The Difference Between Heartburn And 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.
Medical attention is required for Angina, as it can be a sign of a heart attack or an indication that you have a heart disease. Medical attention is rarely required in mild cases of heartburn. Whilst it’s inconvenient and uncomfortable for those who experience it, heartburn is not serious. Frequent episodes can lead to more serious conditions over a long period 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. Heartburn can also cause an acidic, salty or sour taste in the mouth and can sometimes cause regurgitation.
The cause of heartburn is down to the malfuntion 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 lid, as it is known which is provided by the lower esophageal sphincter stops the contents of the stomach from travelling up the esophagus. Stomach acids can leak out into the esophagus if the sphincter does not close properly. This in turn creates the burning sensation that is classic to that of heartburn.
Angina Symptoms
Angina is pain in the chest, less like a burning, that frequently radiates down the arms and into the shoulders. Tightness and pressure in the chest is also another symptom of angina. Other accompanying factors to angina are; lightheadedness, dizziness and shortness of breath. The presence of these symptoms is a definite distinction between heartburn and angina symptoms.
Heartburn or indigestion can be symptoms of those patients experiening angina. Heartburn is rarely the only symptom of angina, so patients experiencing heartburn accompanied by other symptoms of angina should seek medical attention to ensure they are not suffering from a serious condition.
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.
Visit our website to learn more about differentiating heartburn and angina symptoms, so you can take proper control of your health.