3 weeks ago
Heart Attack Can Feel Like Acidity: Symptoms and Warning Signs
Sometimes, when your chest feels hot or burns, people think it is just a tummy problem called acidity.
After a big meal, that can happen.
But doctors say the heart can sometimes send similar feelings.
This is because the heart and the tummy use some of the same pathways in the body to send pain messages.
Because of that, a heart problem can trick the body into feeling like acidity.
Dr Aseem Dhall, a heart specialist at ISIC Multispeciality Hospital, says this can happen with a heart attack.
It does not mean every belly burn is a heart problem.
But if the burning feeling stays or you cannot explain it, you should see a doctor.
This is especially important if your heart could be at risk.
A doctor can check and make sure your heart is safe.
Heart attacks can sometimes feel like acidity, indigestion, or a burning sensation in the chest or upper abdomen, experts say.
The heart and digestive system share some nerve pathways, which is why heart-related pain can be mistaken for a digestive problem.
Indigestion and acid reflux after a heavy meal are common, but persistent or unexplained symptoms should not be dismissed.
People with heart disease risk factors are advised to get persistent or unexplained symptoms medically evaluated.
Dr Aseem Dhall, Director of Cardiac Sciences at ISIC Multispeciality Hospital, warns against ignoring symptoms that resemble acidity.
- Who
- Anyone experiencing persistent or unexplained chest or upper-abdominal burning; expert source Dr Aseem Dhall, Director of Cardiac Sciences at ISIC Multispeciality Hospital
- What
- A heart attack can sometimes be mistaken for acidity or indigestion because of shared nerve pathways between the heart and digestive system.
- Where
- Not specified in the article
- When
- Not specified in the article
- Why
- The heart and digestive system share some nerve pathways, so the body may perceive heart-related discomfort as acidity, indigestion, or burning.
Key facts
- Topic
- Heart attack symptoms mistaken for acidity or indigestion
- Expert quoted
- Dr Aseem Dhall, Director & HOD, Cardiac Sciences
- Hospital
- ISIC Multispeciality Hospital
- Key warning
- Persistent or unexplained burning in the chest or upper abdomen should be medically evaluated
- At-risk groups
- People with heart disease risk factors
- Underlying reason
- Shared nerve pathways between heart and digestive system
- Common confusion
- Acidity or acid reflux after a heavy meal
Quotes
Dr. Aseem Dhall
Director & Head of Cardiac Sciences, ISIC Multispeciality Hospital
“"Sometimes heart‑related discomfort can feel like acidity, indigestion or burning in the chest or upper abdomen. This can happen because the heart and digestive system share some nerve pathways. Persistent or unexplained symptoms, especially in people with heart disease risk factors, should be medically evaluated."”
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