Because heartburn (acid reflux) can cause chest pain, knowing the difference between heartburn and a heart attack can be challenging.
A heart attack (myocardial infarction) is a medical emergency that occurs when blood flow to the heart muscle is reduced or blocked.
One of the symptoms of a heart attack is chest pain, but this doesn’t always mean that someone clutches at their chest in pain like in the movies.
Seek emergency care immediately for chest pain that comes on suddenly or that occurs along with nausea and/or pain in the shoulders.
This article will explain the differences between a heart attack and heartburn and when chest pain or other symptoms are a reason to go to the nearest emergency room.
Emergency Signs of a Heart Attack
People who are experiencing the following symptoms of a heart attack should call 911 or go to the closest emergency room:
- Chest pain or discomfort (pressure, squeezing, or fullness in the center of the chest that lasts more than a few minutes)
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Nausea
- Pain radiating into the arms (one or both), back, neck, jaw, or belly
- Shortness of breath
- Sweating/breaking out in a cold sweat. Get The Full, Articles.




