Chest discomfort can be frightening. Many people rush to the hospital thinking it might be a heart attack, only to find out later that acid reflux was the cause. At the same time, assuming chest pain is just acidity can be risky. At Silver Touch Hospitals in Ahmedabad, patients often come in with this exact concern. Let’s break it down in a simple, practical way.
What Is Acid Reflux?
Acid reflux happens when stomach acid flows back into the food pipe. This irritation can cause a burning sensation in the chest, commonly known as heartburn. It often appears after meals, especially spicy or oily food, or when lying down soon after eating.
The discomfort may rise from the upper abdomen to the chest or throat. Some people also experience sour taste, burping, bloating, or mild nausea. While uncomfortable, acid reflux is usually related to digestion rather than the heart.
A consultation with a gastroenterologist in Ahmedabad can help identify triggers and manage symptoms before they become chronic.
What Does a Heart Attack Feel Like?
A heart attack usually presents with pressure, tightness, or squeezing pain in the centre or left side of the chest. This pain may spread to the left arm, neck, jaw, or back. Unlike acid reflux, it is not linked to meals and does not improve with antacids.
Other warning signs may include shortness of breath, cold sweating, dizziness, or extreme fatigue. Some people, especially diabetics and older adults, may have subtle or unusual symptoms.
Any sudden or severe chest pain should be treated as a medical emergency.
Key Differences to Watch For
Here are the key differences between acid reflux and heart attack.
| Aspect | Acid Reflux | Heart Attack |
| Type of pain | Sharp discomfort or burning | Tightness, heavy pressure, or squeezing pain |
| Location | Upper abdomen, center of chest, sometimes throat | Centre or left side of chest |
| Pain spread | May move upwards, toward throat | Often spreads to neck, left arm, back, jaw |
| Relation to food | Commonly occurs after eating oily/spicy food | Not related to eating |
| Effect of position | Worse when bending forward or lying down | Usually no relief with position change |
| Relief with antacids | Often improves | No improvement |
| Associated symptoms | Burping, sour taste, bloating, mild nausea | Breathlessness, sweating, nausea, dizziness |
| Onset | Gradual | Suddenly or rapidly worsening |
| Urgency | Needs medical review if recurring | Medical emergency |
However, symptoms can overlap. That is why self-diagnosis is never advised. You must immediately seek medical assistance if you experience these symptoms.
When Should You See a Specialist?
If chest discomfort keeps returning, lasts longer than a few minutes, or is accompanied by breathlessness or sweating, immediate medical attention is essential. Once cardiac causes are ruled out, a gastroenterologist in Ahmedabad can assess digestive issues through proper evaluation and investigations.
At Silver Touch Hospitals, patients have access to both cardiac assessment and gastroenterology care under one roof, ensuring nothing is missed.
Getting the Right Care at the Right Time
Silver Touch Hospitals, with centers across Ahmedabad, focuses on timely diagnosis and patient safety. Chest pain should never be ignored or brushed aside. When in doubt, it is always better to get checked.