Indigestion vs heart attack: Don’t Take Chances

Indigestion vs heart attack: Don’t Take Chances

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Indigestion vs heart attack may at first seem easy to distinguish, but many people mistaking a heart attack for indigestion are taking serious risks.

Many of the symptoms of heart attack can be brought on by digestive disturbances or other less serious conditions, this is why indigestion versus heart attack can cause confusion. But only sophisticated medical tests can determine if a heart attack is taking place or not. Heart attacks may vary from person to person, and from heart attack to heart attack. Women, for example, may experience "atypical' symptoms such as pain between the shoulder blades rather than crushing chest pain. This may result in them delaying seeking treatment. That is a great mistake. Moreover, people suffering a second heart attack may witness symptoms being quite different from the first time.

Heart attack is one instance where getting treatment promptly can mean the difference between life and death. Surprisingly, it's possible to feel pain in the arms or throat, for instance, but not in the chest itself. Some heart attack survivors also say they experience a feeling of pressure or a "tightening" in the chest rather than pain. Other symptoms can include feeling unwell, feeling giddy or faint, feeling anxious, sweating , vomiting or feeling nauseous. A person may also look pale and ill.

How can you tell the difference between heart attack vs indigestion?

Like a heart attack, indigestion can create a burning pain, but it's unlikely to spread to other parts of the body. But if you're in any doubt, don't hesitate to call medical assistance and mention you're having chest pains. This is especially important if you don't normally suffer from indigestion. If it turns out to be a false alarm and you're not having a heart attack, don't worry - the hospital staff won't mind.

How can you tell if you are having a heart attack, indigestion, or simply arthritis pain? According to the American Heart Association, there are definite early warning signs and symptoms of heart attacks. Only examination by a doctor, who will carry out an electrocardiogram (EKG) and/or a blood test, can confirm if you are having, or have had a heart attack.

Therefore, determining the difference between a heart attack vs indigestion should only be made by a doctor. If in doubt, seek medical assistance immediately.