How Can I Tell The Difference Between My Heartburn And Angina/Heart Pain?

— -- Question: How can I tell the difference between my heartburn and angina/heart pain?

Answer: Chest discomfort that's due to the heart can be difficult to distinguish from chest discomfort that's due to heart burn, or gastroesophageal reflux.

In general, gastroesophageal reflux, or heart burn, is characterized by a similar discomfort, but it oftentimes has a burning sensation that can be accompanied by a burning or sour taste in the throat or the back of the mouth.

Heartburn oftentimes occurs after someone eats, after someone lays down, or at the first occasion when they wake up in the morning. Also, heartburn oftentimes goes away when a patient takes an antacid.

Having said that, none of these characteristics completely defines heart pain versus acid reflux. So it's important for you to discuss how to distinguish between the two with your personal physician.

Next: How Do I Know When Shortness Of Breath Is Due To Other Conditions Such As Emphysema, Or Heart Disease?

Previous: If I Have Chest Pain, What Should I Do?