Acid Reflux and Chest Pain – it Could Already be a Heart Attack

Wednesday, February 17th, 2010

Acid reflux and chest pain can present some form of danger to a heart patient. The chest pains are quite common, some individuals are not aware that what they are suffering is no longer acid reflux and chest pains but already the onset of a heart attack.

Before going any further, let us first identify what acid reflux is and its relation to chest pain.

Acid Reflux – What Causes the Heart Burn or Chest Pains?

Acid Reflux or GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease) mainly affects a person’s esophagus. Esophagus to aptly describe it is that passage where the food passes on from the mouth to the stomach, under normal digestion processes. In some instances during the digestion process, the stomach will go into some form of regurgitation.

Regurgitation here means some food were not digested but instead will be moved back up from the stomach to the throat, passing once again the esophagus. However, the regurgitated food gets stuck in this passage causing discomfort in the form of chest pains.

As the regurgitated food remains stuck in the esophagus, the latter now becomes inflamed because some of the acid that was used during the digestion processes is now affecting the lining of the esophagus. The acid being the most harmful substance found in a regurgitated liquid is now causing the person to suffer from GERD, acid reflux or heartburn. 

While suffering from acid reflux, chest pains which come as a burning sensation will be felt and can last for a couple of hours. Although in some cases, chest pains aren’t always evident in the sufferer’s condition. Still, the presence of the acid in the esophagus if left untreated or neutralized will eventually result to bleeding ulcers.

Some individuals may choose to lie down as they get to feel the weakening effect of acid reflux and chest pains. However, they should be prevented from doing so since this will only worsen his or her condition. Lying down will present an opportunity for the burning sensation to move up to the throat, leaving the person’s throat dry and parched or even tastes as if the undigested food has reached the throat. 

When Heart Attacks are Mistaken for Acid Reflux Chest Pains

Some people may treat acid reflux and chest pains as dismissible and can easily be remedied by antacids. The problem now lies with the similarity between acid reflux – chest pains as against the chest pains that are onsets to a heart attack. Thus, there is the real need to know the underlying differences between these two conditions since the latter could prove to be fatal if ignored. 

This could be quite tricky since both heart attacks and acid reflux, may take place right after a sumptuous meal. In fact, it is even possible to have both acid reflux and heart attack simultaneously. While experiencing acid reflux chest pains, the esophagus is now causing some nerves to impair blood flow to the heart.

How to Differentiate Acid Reflux chest pains from Chest Pains leading to a Heart Attack

To avoid the dangers of mistaking chest pains leading to heart attacks as  mere acid reflux chest pains, persons who are prone to suffer from these ailments should take note of the following distinctions:

The burning sensation or chest pains of acid reflux usually last for 10-12 hours, which means if the chest pain you are suffering is that of a heart attack, you won’t get to last that long. The longer the chest pain in a heart attack sufferer, the more symptoms will become evident. It is a must therefore that the heart patient should be more aware of other symptoms that may arise from the chest pains. For this matter, hereunder are the immediate symptoms of a heart attack: 

• Breaking into a cold sweat.

• Pain is moving from the chest to the jaw, shoulder or arms. The pain increases when effort is exerted.

• There is fatigue and shortness of breath.

• The chest pains did not respond to antacids.

• Nausea and possible vomiting

• Sufferer has become pale.

In the event that all of these symptoms are present or if within 10 to 15 minutes of taking an antacid or H2 blocker you are still suffering from heart burn or chest pain, ask someone to call 911.

 

Alvin Hopkinson is a leading health researcher in the area of natural remedies and acid reflux treatment. Discover how you can get rid of your heartburn for good using proven and effective acid reflux natural remedies, all without using harmful medications or drugs. Visit his site now at http://www.refluxremoval.com

Alvin Hopkinson
http://www.articlesbase.com/diseases-and-conditions-articles/acid-reflux-and-chest-pain-it-could-already-be-a-heart-attack-699854.html

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Former President Bill Clinton Hospitalized With Chest Discomfort – 02/11/10

Saturday, February 13th, 2010

Former President Bill Clinton Hospitalized With chest Discomfort, Taken To Hospital In New York City – 02/11/10

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What could cause chest pain while breathing in after eating?

Saturday, February 6th, 2010

I ate a very large meal about 45 minutes ago, and am just now experiencing some chest pain that occurs when I breathe in. Other than this chest pain, I don’t have any other apparent problems. I feel a little indigestion, but that’s it. The pain is sharp and localized in the center of my chest and occurs only when I inhale a certain amount of air. I checked my pulse and that was a little bit fast also, but that might have just been panic because of the weird pain I was feeling.What could cause this?
I must state that the large meal I ate wasn’t as healthy as usual, so it could be acid reflux, but I’m not sure if breathing has anything to do with that.
Also, the pain has stopped completely now. The episode lasted for around 10-15 minutes I think.

I did the same thing when I had a tooth extraction and hadn’t eaten anything solid for days – I had chest pains so bad I thought I was having a heart attack – turn out to be indigestion – with a full stomach pressing on the diaphragm – never did that again – I would start eating healthier food and smaller portion to avoid this happening again – but if this happens again it could be a hiatal hernia and would seek medical advice

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How Do We Know When to Ask for Help?

Thursday, February 4th, 2010

Acid reflux is the condition that most of us suffer from and many do not even know that. It has symptoms like many other conditions, but they can be overlooked by the majority. What is important to know is what those symptoms are and what to do about acid reflux.

It is essential that once you think you are suffering from acid reflux to go and get treated. As longer as this condition goes untreated, as worst the things get. It can end up permanently damaging your throat or your esophagus. Treatment is available. At the first sign of acid reflux, go to the doctor and get treated.

The most common symptom in acid reflux is a burning sensation. This can happen after a meal rich in oil or spices. Even after eating french fries we can feel this burn in our chest.

Besides the burning sensation, which is the most common and can happen even to children, many other symptoms can tell us we are suffering from acid reflux. Some of them include a bad breath, a sore throat, regurgitation, cough, even yellow teeth, in spite our thorough hygiene of the mouth. This symptoms may end up to be just as bad as the burning sensations that one feels and should not be looked at with less interest.

Another big symptom of acid reflux is chest pain. Together with the burning sensation, this is one of the most misunderstood signs of this condition. It is generally believed that when you get chest pains, you may have a heart attack. Yes, this can be true, but you may also be suffering from acid reflux. Well, it does not matter much now. It is a very good thing to go to the doctor when you fell chest pains because this is a matter of live and death.

Heratburn is another important symptom of acid reflux condition. It has this name because the pain that one feels is a burning sensation that comes from the heart area and spreads to the whole chest. There are two reasons why this pain feels like it is coming from the heart:

– the acidity that comes up through the throat inflicts a lot of apin;

– bad vibes are created;

To better distinguished between a heartburn and chest pains, you must know that heartburn decreases or increases with the amount of food we eat. But when you really do have problems with your heart the pain is more intense and you have the impression that your heart is about to burst.

In any of these cases, the best thing to do is get help as soon as possible.

For more resources about acid reflux or especially about /www.acid-reflux-info-guide.com/acid-reflux-diet.htm”>acid reflux diet please click this link http://www.acid-reflux-info-guide.com/acid-reflux-diet.htm

Groshan Fabiola
http://www.articlesbase.com/health-articles/how-do-we-know-when-to-ask-for-help-99596.html

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What level of chest pain should you go to the doctor for?

Monday, January 25th, 2010

I’ve had slight pains in the chest, no other symptoms. Stress at work but nothing abnormal. Don’t want to go through extensive tests for nothing.

If you have chest pains you should visit your doctor.

Earlier this year my uncle had been having slight chest pains, he ignored it, after a few days he had a hearth attack lucky for him he was actually visiting a friend in hospital with my dad at the time. My dad was able to get a doctor for him in seconds.

If your going to have a hearth attack you couldn’t wish to be in a better place. He was told by the doctor afterwards if he hadn’t been where he was he’d be dead. In the end got he a heart stint is now doing well.

My advice is it’s better to be safe than sorry.

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what is causing mild chest pain in the exact middle of the chest and feeling like I have to force myself to br?

Sunday, January 24th, 2010

I have been experincing a sensation that I have to force myself to breath and an exact mild discomfort pain in middle of the chest like near the esophoogas? Could it be anxiety,gerd, reflux or something else?

Sorry to hear that, I hate that feeling in the chest especially not knowing.

Anxiety is indeed one of the most common occurences these days, many people contribute their chest pains to a heart attack and they go to the hospital, they then find out it was an anxiety attack. I took a friend once and that’s when I started to learn more. The problem is they send you on your way and that doesn’t help people manage or control it.

Have a look here, this program has been getting good results, best of luck. :)

http://tinyurl.com/onp2bf

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What causes temporary chest pains and numbness in left arm?

Friday, January 22nd, 2010

I get temporary chest pains that last 10 minutes and when I get those, my left arm goes numb? What can cause this? The last time I had this was about 2 weeks ago and it occurrs about once a month.

Get to a Dr. fast. You need to be checked out thoroughly. If you experience these symptoms before your appointment get to an emergency room immediately. Maybe you have angina pains, and need medication. But maybe something more serious is going on and causing damage. Please get medical attention! Best wishes to you.

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How can I tell the difference between heart chest pains and muscle chest pains???

Wednesday, October 21st, 2009

I have been having what I consider chest "annoyances" for about the last week. I can’t tell if they are heart related or muscle related. I am 27 years old and its not like I am grossly overweight. I could probably lose a couple pounds but thats about it. I did have a stress test about three months ago and passed with no problems. Heart disease does run in my family which is why I had the stress test in the first place. The pain gets worse when I move my move my chest in certain ways. Anybody have any ideas of what this could be?

You need to go see a Physician for your problem, never wait and try to figure it out yourself! Here are some things though that you could consider! I would still however go see a Physician!

There are many causes of chest pain. One is angina which results from inadequate oxygen supply to the heart muscle. Angina can be caused by coronary artery disease or spasm of the coronary arteries. Chest pain can also be due to a heart attack (coronary occlusion) and other important diseases. Do not try to ignore chest pain and "work (or play) though it." Chest pain is a warning to seek medical attention.
Causes of chest pain

Angina
Aortic Stenosis
Costochondritis and Tietze Syndrome
Gallstones
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease
Heart Attack
Peptic Ulcer
Pericarditis
Pleurisy (Pleuritis)
Pneumonia
Pneumothorax
Shingles

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How can I treat chest pain caused by depression?

Monday, October 19th, 2009

I’m going through a really hard time in a relationship and I’m becoming depressed. I’m aware that chest pain can be caused by depression or anxiety and I’m 100% sure this is the cause of the tightness and heaviness in my chest. Do you know of any way to alleviate it (preferably without having to spend much/any money)? Since this is a psychosomatic symptom, can relief only be achieved on a psychological level?

I get chest pains due to anxiety. First I was thoroughly checked out by my doctor and she determined it’s anxiety, not my heart. Then I got a prescription for Ativan 2 mg which I take at the onset of chest pain – not every day because it’s addictive. That works for me. Good luck!

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What is this pain in my chest when sallowing?

Thursday, October 15th, 2009

For a few days I have had chest pains when eating or especially when drinking water fast it doesn’t hurt too long but is a very sharp pain. The pain is located in the middle of my chest. Could this be something serious? Or something that will go away soon? Please help!

Ask your dr to request a chest x-ray to see if there is any inflammation inside. It also could be gas, so try Beano or something like that to break it up.
While my father has pain in his chest when swallowing, we found out that there is a tumor in his esophagus – so it has to be operated on.
Also, you may have eaten something that aggravated your insides. Watch what you eat for a week, then request an cat scan or xray of your chest to be sure. Other tests like endoscopies can determine what’s going on if this problem persists…If anything, you probably have heart burn or acid reflux which causes a lot of pain when the food goes down.

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