This
item is not that much use, but it is where we start. The problem with
heart disease is that it is a chronic developing condition that is
internal. The problem is that we have a limited ability to sense
even pain internally and what signals you do get cannot be trusted.
You will not understand this in the middle of a heart attack
In
the meantime a heart attack is a sudden onset event. That means
first time heartburn is not a good thing, nor other strange pains in
peripheral arteries. Please run to the hospital after you take your
aspirin. If you have the standard indicators, then start an aspirin
regimen and possibly avoid the problem for longer at least.
Let
us return to heartburn however. Chronic heartburn is most likely the
real indicator of chronic angina. Food can cause the effect, but not
on a chronic basis simply because almost no one continues abusing
themselves if their stomach goes on rebellion.
I
personally had heart burn for years and got no meaningful advice from
the medical profession at all. Without any warning whatsoever, I
then proceeded to have a major heart attack. I had no heart beat for
a full twenty minutes but was fortunate to have medical quality CPR
instantly available. In the event I did recover well and my heart
has also substantially recovered from the damage seven years ago.
It
is noteworthy that in that time I have never had a recurrence of
heart burn.
Thus
from my sample of one, I suggest that one needs to treat chronic
heartburn as an angina attack and to simply experiment with the
nitroglycerin tablets. This is cheap and safe to do. If it then goes
away, you have a clear proof of just what you are dealing with and
can act accordingly.
By Charlotte Libov
Most
people experience minor twinges of chest pain now and then. And when
it happens, we can’t help but wonder if it is something serious. Is
it heartburn or a heart attack?
These
two maladies have similar symptoms, but very different outcomes.
Delaying treatment of heart attack may cost you your life. On the
other hand, no one wants to take an ambulance trip if the pain could
be cleared up with an antacid.
“The
reason that heartburn has ‘heart’ in its name is because it’s
extremely difficult to differentiate a heart attack from heartburn,”
says Harvey Kramer, M.D., director of Cardiovascular Disease
Prevention at Danbury (Conn.) Hospital.
The
first thing to consider is your heart attack risk, according to
Chauncey Crandall, M.D. “People with coronary heart disease, heart
attack survivors, or those who have undergone coronary artery bypass
surgery or had a stent implanted should not hesitate to get help,”
says Dr. Crandall, chief of the Cardiac Transplant Program at the
Palm Beach Cardiovascular Clinic.
If
you are over 50, have a family history of heart disease, have high
blood pressure, diabetes, are obese, or inactive, you are also at
greater risk and should err on the side of caution.
There
are also key differences in the symptoms of heartburn and a heart
attack that can help you decide whether to call 911, say Dr.
Crandall and Dr. Kramer.
Where
is the Pain Located?
If
the pain is located in the center of the chest, the shoulder, jaw,
neck, or back, it may be a heart attack. On the other hand, if the
pain is a burning sensation in the throat and is accompanied by a
bitter taste in the back of the throat, that’s most likely
heartburn.
When
Does the Pain Strike?
If
the pain occurs shortly after you’ve eaten, it may very well be
heartburn, especially if you lie down after eating. Heart attack
chest pain more commonly occurs during exertion. Cardiac pain
generally does not occur at rest, while heartburn does.
Telltale
Symptoms
Heart
attack symptoms may include shortness of breath, sweating, fainting,
nausea, and lightheadedness. These do not often happen with
heartburn. “If you get associated symptoms like sweating and
shortness of breath with the discomfort, that’s more likely to be
caused by cardiac chest pain, not heartburn,” notes Dr. Kramer.
“Women often present with atypical symptoms of heart attack, so
they are more likely to experience these symptoms.”
Other
Factors
If
you are on antibiotics or other medications that could irritate the
stomach, that’s an indication for heartburn. For people who take
nitroglycerin for angina relief, things can be tricky. Sometimes
nitroglycerin relieves the pain of heartburn.
Most
Important
Remember,
there are no hard-and-fast rules. If you’re experiencing chest
pain that you suspect may be heart-related, chew a 325-milligram
aspirin if you have one handy, but don’t hesitate – calling 911
is your first priority. Also, don’t drive to the hospital
yourself. An ambulance is a better option because emergency measures
can be taken on the way to the hospital that could save your life.
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