Heartburn and heart disease are not related, but many of the symptoms of heartburn are similar to those experienced during a heart attack. Severe or frequent heartburn that does not respond to over the counter heartburn medicines is cause for concern for many reasons.
Chest pain is one of the major symptoms of a heart attack. Heartburn chest pain is usually accompanied by a burning sensation. Most people have heartburn occasionally. Frequent heartburn is defined by most practitioners as heartburn that is experienced several times a week. If your heartburn seems worse than usual or if you feel pain in your chest that you would describe as squeezing or crushing, seek medical attention immediately.
Other symptoms of heart attack that are not typically associated with frequent heartburn include shortness of breath, nausea, vomiting and sweating. If you have these symptoms, you should, once again, seek medical attention immediately. Chronic or frequent heartburn that does not respond to over the counter heartburn medicines should be evaluated by your physician. Although there is no link between frequent heartburn and heart disease, chronic or frequent heartburn can be a symptom of a more serious condition and frequent heartburn that is untreated can lead to more serious conditions involving the esophagus.
Even though it is called heartburn, it has nothing to do with your heart. Heartburn chest pain occurs when stomach acid that is normally confined to the stomach by muscles in the esophagus flows back up into the esophagus. You may feel the burning sensation in your stomach, the center of your chest or the back of your throat. Most over the counter heartburn medicines are designed for occasional use and should relieve heartburn chest pain and the burning sensation. Frequent heartburn may be related to the foods you eat, the beverages you drink or your lifestyle. Stress, obesity and overeating can all lead to frequent heartburn.
Heartburn chest pain is commonly accompani! ed by in digestion or gas and over the counter heartburn medicines are designed to relieve discomfort associated with bloating or gas, as well as indigestion and heartburn. Most prescription heartburn medicines are designed to prevent frequent heartburn and heartburn chest pain. They are taken on a daily basis for a month or longer depending on the individual. Some over the counter heartburn medicines may be used to prevent the heartburn chest pain that you know will follow a particularly spicy meal or before eating some other food that you know causes you problems. Over the counter heartburn medicines have few side effects, but should only be taken as directed and are intended for occasional use. If you have frequent heartburn, an over the counter product may not be enough. Prescription heartburn medicines, which are designed for use by persons with frequent heartburn, have many side effects, as most drugs do, and should not be used by persons with certain other medical conditions. Your doctor, your pharmacist and the package insert will all help you decide if a prescription heartburn medicine is right for you and if so, which one. There are several.
Heartburn chest pain is not related to heart disease, but there are certain heart medications that may increase your risk of heartburn problems. Always remember to advise your doctor about any medications that you are taking. Frequent heartburn should not be ignored.
For more information about heartburn and other common digestive complaints, visit www.digestive-disorders-guide.com.
Patsy Hamilton writes informational articles for the Digestive Disorders Guide. Visit us at http://www.digestive-disorders-guide.com
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