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A heart attack is often described as a frightening experience, akin to "10 elephants were crushing your chest." It can cause symptoms like sweating, jaw or back pain, and radiating discomfort. According to recent statistics, every 40 seconds someone in the United States experiences a heart attack. However, not all chest pain indicates a heart attack; it could be indigestion.
A heart attack occurs when blood flow to the heart muscle is restricted due to plaque buildup in coronary arteries. Symptoms include chest pain that may return after subsiding, discomfort in arms or other body parts, shortness of breath, nausea, lightheadedness, and cold sweats.
Indigestion involves irritation of the stomach lining and may occur alongside acid reflux. This condition causes burning or pain in the chest area during or after eating. Additional symptoms include feeling full quickly, bloating, and nausea.
Determining whether discomfort is from a heart attack or indigestion can be challenging. Key questions to consider include:
1. What alleviates the symptoms? Indigestion might improve with antacids and slower eating habits; a heart attack requires urgent medical attention.
2. What and when did you last eat? Indigestion usually follows specific food intake; heart attacks are not related to food.
3. Does the pain spread? Heart attacks may cause radiating pain beyond the initial area.
4. Are you sweating and having trouble breathing? These are more indicative of a heart attack than indigestion.
In cases of suspected heart attacks, calling 911 for an ambulance is advised rather than self-driving to seek medical help.
Preventive measures for both conditions include maintaining healthy blood pressure and cholesterol levels through lifestyle changes such as quitting smoking, exercising regularly, reducing stress, and moderating spicy food intake.
For further concerns about these symptoms, consulting with a Duly cardiologist is recommended. The Duly Cardiac Evaluation Center offers same-day evaluations for non-life-threatening cardiac symptoms like chest pain and palpitations.
