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Differentiating Heartburn from Angina Symptoms

Megavista-Health.com

Basic Differences Between Heartburn and Angina

Symptoms of heartburn and indigestion can mimic angina

Angina – chest pain caused by lack of blood flow to heart

Heartburn is a burning sensation behind or below breastbone

Similar sensationsImportant to be able to tell the difference

Is it serious?Angina requires medical attentionCan indicate a more serious conditionHeartburn doesn’t typically require medical

attentionRarely urgentHeartburn is inconvenient and

uncomfortableCan lead to more serious conditions if

frequent and occurring over long periodsi.e. ulcers, esophageal cancer

Heartburn Symptoms

Burning sensation in the middle of the chest or directly below the breastbone

Responds to antacids, doesn’t radiate to arms or shoulders

The pain can travel up the neckCan cause an acidic, salty or sour taste in

the mouth and can sometimes cause regurgitation

Heartburn is caused by the malfunctioning of the lower esophageal sphincter

Physiological ProcessesUnderstanding the physiological process

can aid in differentiating heartburn and angina symptoms

Lower esophageal sphincter is like a lidKeeps stomach acids containedMalfunctioning LES can allow stomach acids

to leak out

Angina SymptomsPain in the chestLess like burningTravels to shoulders and armsTightness and pressureLightheadedness, dizziness, shortness of

breathPresence of these are a definite indication it is

angina rather than heartburn

Heartburn as a Symptom of Angina

Patients with angina may experience heartburn or indigestion as a symptom

Heartburn is rarely the only symptom of anginaHeartburn along with other angina symptoms –

seek immediate medical attention

Causes

Angina can occur in response to stressOften immediately following emotional

outburstStress can contribute to heartburnAngina – sudden onset immediately following

high stress or emotional outburst

Learn More At Megavista Health, we focus on positive,

holistic health and nutrition.Learn more about differentiating heartburn

and angina symptoms, so you can take proper control of your health by visiting:

http://www.megavista-health.com/articles/health-condition-articles/heartburn-or-angina-symptoms