Know the Difference Between Heartburn and a Heart Attack

11/22/2024

LAREDO, Texas – As Thanksgiving and other holidays approach, many Americans look forward to all of the festivities, spending time with family and friends, and indulging in traditional holiday dishes. But, what many people don’t know is that during the holiday season there may also be a higher risk of two health conditions - heartburn and heart attack.

“These conditions are not the same and not related, but sometimes they can be hard to tell apart,” said Dr. Mario Cesar Flores, a family medicine physician with Primary Care Associates of Laredo. “Heart attacks are more likely to feel like pain, pressure or a tight squeezing feeling in your chest. Heartburn feels more like a burning sensation and can cause a bitter or sour taste to travel to your mouth.”

Heartburn is very common, and can be avoided. In fact, the American Gastroenterological Association estimates that more than 60 million Americans experience it at least once a month. Rich holiday meals, overeating, and drinking alcohol can trigger heartburn, making it even more common during holiday periods.

Dr. Flores shares tips to help prevent the discomfort of holiday (or anytime) heartburn.

• Eat smaller, balanced meals to avoid overloading your digestive system.
• Avoid spicy foods and choose low-fat, low-acid ingredients to reduce heartburn triggers.
• Stay hydrated with water and avoid alcohol consumption.
• Don’t lie down after a big meal. Instead, take a walk to stimulate digestion and reduce blood pressure.
• Manage symptoms with over-the-counter medications that usually bring fast relief.

“We want people to enjoy the holidays and not to feel sick,” said Dr. Flores. “It’s all about knowing how to stay well in the first place and finding that sweet spot between overindulgence and moderation.”

If heartburn does not subside, or becomes more frequent, it’s important to talk to a gastroenterologist. Ongoing heartburn is one of the most common symptoms of GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease), which can result in more serious complications if left untreated.

Heart attacks also occur more frequently during the winter holidays, especially on Christmas Day and during the last week of the year. The holidays can be a stressful time. Normal routines are often disrupted. People get busy and tend to sleep less. They are likely to eat and drink more. Winter weather can also lead to constricted vessels caused by cold temperatures, resulting in restricted blood flow in the body.

Heart attack symptoms can include tightness, discomfort or pain in the chest. Pain may also be felt in the jaw, neck, arm or back. Other signs include shortness of breath, lightheadedness, dizziness, nausea and vomiting.

“Don’t ignore the warning signs of a heart attack because you are afraid of spoiling the holidays,” said Dr. Flores. “Fast care is critical. During a heart attack, the heart’s tissue is damaged and that can happen very quickly. Fast medical treatment can be the difference between life and death.”

Laredo Medical Center is a Level III trauma center and an Accredited Chest Pain Center Level v7 with Primary PCI (Percutaneous Coronary Interventions) to diagnose and care for people with heart attack symptoms. Additionally, the hospital has earned the American Heart Association’s Get With The Guidelines® - Stroke Bronze quality achievement award for its commitment to providing high-quality stroke care, and recertification for The Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval© for Advanced Certification for Primary Stroke Centers.

The providers of Laredo Medical Center and Laredo Medical Center North Central ER are available throughout the holidays should you need them.

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Remember that this information is not intended to replace the advice of your doctor, but rather to increase awareness and help equip patients with information and facilitate conversations with your physician that will benefit your health.

Mario C. Flores, M.D., is a member of the medical staff at Laredo Medical Center and is employed by Regional Employee Assistance Program, d/b/a Primary Care Associates of Laredo.

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