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Question:
How do I know the difference between heartburn and heart issues?
I am a 38yr old female. I'm on aciphex and pepcid, and have recently been getting severe heartburn despite being on these medications. I am also experiencing palpitations and pressure in the middle of my chest. I know heartburn symptoms can sometimes mimic aheart attack or warning signs of heart attack. Isn't it odd that I would have heartburn, or at least bad heartburn,since I am on preventative meds? How do I know the difference between heartburn and heart issues?
submitted by Brenna, from Houston, Texas, on 11/8/09
Answer:
by Texas Heart Institute cardiologist, Guilherme V. Silva, MD
Brenna, Heartburn is a very common symptom and can be quite confusing and distressing for patients, since both gastrointestinal and heart issues can present the same way. Usually heartburn from reflux disease is worse at night when you go to sleep and assume a supine (reclining) position. In some instances, the only way to differentiate where the symptoms are coming from is to proceed with a stress test. I would strongly recommend your seeing your doctor to evaluate if you need a stress test or not. Hope that helps.
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Updated November 2009
