Sudden Onset Of Heartburn

"Sometimes it is impossible to distinguish between symptoms of heartburn, angina and heart attack," warned Prediman K. (PK) Shah, MD, Director of the Division of Cardiology and the Atherosclerosis Research Center at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center. "There are some useful tips that might help a person know if they are a heart attack or not, but if in doubt, check it out."

Knowing the risk factors that can predispose to heart attack is the most important factor to keep in mind. They will determine if you brush more "symptoms or take seriously.

Shah said: "If you smoke, diabetes, high cholesterol, hypertension, overweight or have a strong family history of heart disease and who have symptoms associated with chest or heart, you should be suspicious. "symptoms of a heart attack, including sudden onset of tightness, pressure, squeezing, burning or discomfort in the chest, throat, neck or arm. You should be especially suspicious if these symptoms are accompanied by nausea, vomiting, sweating, shortness of breath or a fainting sensation Shah warned. "That's when a bell to ring to tell you that these symptoms may be indicative of a heart attack ".

Angina is the symptom most often coronary heart disease. Angina is chest pain or discomfort that occurs when the heart muscle does not receive enough blood. The pain can occur in the shoulders, arms, neck, jaw and / or back. Angina may feel like indigestion.

"Generally, we recommend that if you think you are the victim of a heart attack, call 9-1-1," said Shah. "It's the safest thing to do. We tell people to sin side of caution and overreact instead of less to respond. "

The symptoms of reflux or heartburn can resemble a heart attack. If you have had heartburn throughout your life and the symptoms you are experiencing are identical to those you had before, then you're probably experiencing heartburn and not a heart attack. But if symptoms are accompanied by dizziness or sweating, "then this type of heartburn should be taken more seriously," said Shah. "It could be a sign that you've had a heart attack."

A heart attack occurs when blood supply to the heart muscle is reduced or stopped. This occurs when the coronary arteries feeding the heart become blocked. Death or disability depends on the proportion of the heart muscle is damaged.

There is no way to predict the time of day when a heart attack may occur or circumstances that may cause a heart attack. A heart attack can strike in the middle of the night, after dinner, amid a period of rest, during or after sexual activity or physical activity.

"Obviously, if you received a diagnosis of coronary heart disease, then one of these symptoms should ring a bell strong," said Shah.

Shah pointed out that many types of heart disease he described as different "flavors" does not produce pain, but are just as deadly as a typical heart attack.

A regular check-ups by a physician when you reach middle age (between 45 and 50) or before beginning a vigorous exercise program is essential, "he said. "Some heart conditions can remain hidden and put people at risk of sudden death. It is important to note that heart disease is not only one flavor - there are many different flavors."