Sudden, severe chest pain, especially in the centre or left side of the chest, is a common sign of a heart attack (a medical emergency, call 999). However, chest pain can also be a symptom of other conditions like gastroesophageal reflux disease (GORD). Known as heartburn, the pain caused by acid reflux is often confused with a similar pain to heart problems.
Given the life-threatening risks of a heart attack, it’s crucial to be able to tell the difference between GORD and heart disease. However, despite their differences, recent research indicates there may be some connection between GORD and heart attack.
In this guide:
- Heartburn vs Heart Attack: What’s the Difference?
- The Connection Between GORD and Heart Attack
- Other Causes of Chest Pain
Heartburn vs Heart Attack: What’s the Difference?
Chest pain is one of the most concerning symptoms possible. However, while it’s commonly associated with heart disease, it’s also linked to GORD. But what’s the difference?
What is Heartburn?
Despite its name, heartburn is not related to the heart. It occurs when acid from the stomach travels backwards into the oesophagus, causing irritation and inflammation. Patients may feel a burning sensation in the centre of the chest. However, if they’re lying on the side, this may be lateralised to the left or the right.
Acid reflux pain often happens after eating fatty foods. This pain comes and goes – although during an episode, it can last a long time. The pain should dissipate after consuming an antacid, which neutralises the stomach acid.
Other associated symptoms include:
- Pain that worsens when lying down or bending over
- Bitter or acidic taste in the mouth
- Chronic throat irritation and discomfort
- Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia)
- Recurring cough or hoarseness
- Feeling of a lump in the throat
What is a Heart Attack?
A heart attack, or myocardial infarction, occurs when the blood flow to the heart is impaired. It’s a severe, life-threatening condition and is considered a medical emergency. The pain is sudden and extreme. Patients may describe pressure, squeezing, tightening, heavy, burning, or aching pain.
The pain from a heart attack is often located in the centre or left side of the chest. Sometimes, the pain travels into the left arm, shoulder, neck, jaw, or back. Women more commonly have “unconventional” pain presentations.
Other symptoms of a heart attack include:
- Shortness of breath
- Nausea or vomiting
- Sweating
- Light-headedness or sudden dizziness
- Unusual fatigue
- Sense of impending doom
The Connection Between GORD and Heart Attack
GORD and heart attacks weren’t thought to be connected. Despite their similarities in presentation, acid reflux in the oesophagus should have no negative consequences for the heart. GORD is generally considered a harmless disease – albeit with a higher risk of oesophageal cancer if left untreated.
However, an analysis found that people with GORD are actually more likely to develop heart disease compared to the average person. Heart disease is characterised by abnormal heartbeat, the buildup of plaque in coronary arteries, and the restriction in blood flow to the heart.
The analysis was performed on military service members and their family members. Doctors found that people with GORD had a 40% greater chance of developing atrial fibrillation – an irregular heartbeat – relative to people without GORD. Atrial fibrillation is linked to stroke and heart disease.
Another study confirmed these findings. It revealed that people who were previously diagnosed with GORD were twice as likely to develop coronary heart disease.
Some have speculated that the proximity of the heart to the oesophagus could be a factor. However, the connection could be dietary. A high-fat diet triggers the release of stomach acid, increasing the risk of acid reflux symptoms. High-fat diets are also linked to plaque buildup and coronary artery disease. Further research is needed to confirm this connection.
Other Causes of Chest Pain
Heartburn and heart attack might be two of the most common causes of chest pain. Several other conditions can cause chest discomfort. These include:
- Panic attacks linked to anxiety cause chest pain, rapid heart rate, shortness of breath, and shaking. People are often in a state of extreme anxiety and fear.
- Angina is a precursor to a heart attack. It occurs when the fatty deposits in the arteries block blood flow, particularly during exercise.
- Pneumonia is a chest infection linked to inflammation of the lungs. It causes chest pain, difficulty breathing, and fever.
- Costochondritis is inflammation of the cartilage in the breastbone. It mirrors the symptoms of a heart attack, involving sharp chest pain.
- Peptic ulcers occur when the lining of the stomach becomes damaged. Patients complain of a severe burning sensation.
- Myocarditis is a rare heart condition where the heart muscles become inflamed. It’s a medical emergency and requires immediate attention.
- Oesophageal spasms happen when the food pipe spams involuntarily. The pain can last several hours and without warning.
- Diagnosing the correct cause of chest pain requires a thorough history and examination by a medical professional. Further testing might be needed to determine what’s going on. If you experience any sudden chest pain, seek immediate medical attention. While the cause might be benign, it’s crucial you eliminate any heart-related causes of chest pain, such as a heart attack.
One effective form of analysis is reflux testing. It involves inserting a pH monitor into the oesophagus to confirm if acid reflux is taking place. It’s the gold standard for acid reflux testing. Functional Gut Clinic provides expert gastric testing for patients with persistent reflux symptoms such as cough, heartburn, and chest pain.
Given the connection between GORD and heart attack, it’s crucial to catch the condition early. This prevents any further damage to the oesophagus or the heart.
Ready to understand your symptoms? Call us on 0207 486 7777 or send us an email at admin@thefunctionalgutclinic.com.