What does heartburn feel like? Signs it's not a heart attack

Overview

Have you ever experienced a sharp pain in your chest after indulging in a Friday night curry or consuming too much coffee? That sensation is often referred to as heartburn. The issue lies in the fact that chest pain can also signal a heart attack. In Australia, numerous individuals visit the emergency room believing they are experiencing one, only to discover it is reflux,  and sometimes the opposite is true. Recognising the distinction could be crucial for your health.

Signs and symptoms

Typical signs include:

• A burning feeling in the chest (usually after eating or lying down)

• A sour or bitter taste in your mouth

• Burping or regurgitating food

Additional symptoms that might occur:

• Nausea or bloating

• Sore throat or a raspy voice

Warnings to take note of:

• Difficulty swallowing

• A persistent cough or sore throat

• Ongoing symptoms occurring more than twice a week

If your symptoms are intense or not improving, it's essential to consult a online doctor.

Causes

Heartburn occurs when stomach acid flows back into the oesophagus (the tube connecting your mouth and stomach). This acid reflux irritates the lining of the oesophagus, resulting in the burning sensation known as heartburn.

Common causes include:

• Overeating or eating too quickly – puts extra pressure on your stomach, forcing acid upward.

• Trigger foods – spicy dishes, citrus fruits, coffee, chocolate, tomatoes, fried or fatty foods, and alcohol.

• Lying down after eating – allows acid to travel back up into the throat.

• Being overweight or pregnant – increases abdominal pressure, worsening reflux.

• Smoking – weakens the lower oesophageal sphincter (the valve that keeps acid in the stomach).

• Stress and anxiety – may affect digestion and exacerbate reflux symptoms.

While occasional heartburn is common, frequent or severe reflux may indicate gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), which requires medical attention.

What feels like heartburn but is not?

Various other issues can resemble heartburn:

1. Esophageal spasm – an abrupt tightening of the muscles in the food pipe, typically triggered by cold beverages or stress.
2. Angina – chest discomfort resulting from diminished blood flow to the heart. It often accompanies breathlessness, sweating, or lightheadedness.
3. Peptic ulcers – ulcers in the stomach or small intestine that cause burning sensations between meals.
4. Gastritis – inflammation of the stomach, causing burning, nausea, and a feeling of fullness.
5. Gallbladder discomfort – particularly after consuming fatty meals, which may radiate to the chest.
6. Panic attacks – feelings of chest tightness, burning, or breathlessness, accompanied by a sense of fear or anxiety.

Heartburn vs. heart attack

Heartburn	Heart attack
Burning in the chest, often after food	Heavy, crushing, or tight pain in the chest
Gets worse while lying down or bending forward	Pain spreads to the arm, neck, jaw, or back
Often improves with antacids or sitting upright	Doesn’t improve with position or antacids
May leave a sour taste or regurgitation	May include sweating, nausea, dizziness, or shortness of breath

 

Heartburn vs. indigestion

Many people mix up the two:

• Heartburn – a burning sensation in the chest or throat caused by acid reflux.

• Indigestion – a feeling of fullness, bloating, or discomfort in the upper abdomen after eating.

You can experience both simultaneously, but they are distinct sensations.

When should I call an emergency for chest pain?

If you are experiencing chest pain, you should call emergency services immediately if you have:

• Sudden or intense chest discomfort or pressure.

• Chest pain radiating to the neck, jaw, shoulder, or arm.

• Chest pain accompanied by dizziness, sweating, or difficulty breathing.

• Chest discomfort in someone who has diabetes, is older, or has a history of heart disease.

Simple lifestyle fixes for heartburn

If your symptoms are mild and occasional, a few daily changes can make a big difference:

• Consume smaller, more frequent meals rather than large ones.

• Avoid foods that trigger heartburn; common offenders include spicy curries, coffee, alcohol, chocolate, citrus fruits, and fried dishes.

• Refrain from lying down immediately after meals, wait for 2–3 hours.

• Elevate the head of your bed slightly to prevent acid from rising at night.

• Maintain a healthy weight and reduce smoking, which weakens the muscle that holds stomach acid in place.

When to seek a GP appointment?

You should schedule a telehealth appointment if:

• Heartburn occurs more than twice weekly.

• Symptoms do not improve with lifestyle adjustments or over-the-counter medications.

• You experience difficulty swallowing or unintended weight loss.

 How can Hola Health help?

Telehealth simplifies heartburn management without the need to leave your home. An online GP can:

• Evaluate your symptoms and rule out serious conditions.

• Suggest safe treatment options (even during pregnancy).

• Quickly get online prescription or medical certificates if necessary.

• Refer you to a specialist if additional tests are needed.

Services such as Hola Health offer 24/7 video consultations, bulk billing with Medicare, and can send your e-script directly to your phone so you can collect your medication from a nearby pharmacy.

Conclusion

Heartburn is a common issue, but chest pain should never be disregarded. If you are uncertain, do not hesitate to call 000 immediately. For non-urgent, recurring heartburn, telehealth provides quick, safe, and convenient access to care from the comfort of your home. Schedule a consult with Hola Health today to receive appropriate advice, treatment, or prescriptions without the delay.

FAQ

1. What causes heartburn after eating?

Heartburn after meals usually happens when the stomach produces excess acid or when the lower oesophageal sphincter relaxes, allowing acid to flow back into the throat. Large or spicy meals, caffeine, and alcohol are common triggers.

2. How can I tell if it’s heartburn or a heart attack?

Heartburn typically causes a burning sensation after eating or lying down and may improve with antacids. A heart attack often causes heavy or crushing pain that spreads to the arm, jaw, or neck and doesn’t improve with medication or position changes. If unsure, call 000 immediately.

3. Can stress cause heartburn?

Yes. Stress doesn’t directly produce acid, but it can slow digestion, increase muscle tension, and make reflux symptoms worse. Practising relaxation techniques can help reduce flare-ups.

4. What foods should I avoid if I have heartburn?

Limit foods and drinks that trigger symptoms, such as spicy curries, citrus fruits, tomato-based meals, coffee, chocolate, alcohol, and fried foods. Opt for smaller, lighter meals instead.

5. Is heartburn common during pregnancy?

Yes. Hormonal changes and increased abdominal pressure can cause reflux during pregnancy. Hola Health’s online doctors can recommend safe, pregnancy-friendly treatment options for relief.

6. Can heartburn be serious?

Occasional heartburn is normal, but frequent or severe episodes can lead to inflammation, ulcers, or Barrett’s oesophagus. If symptoms occur more than twice a week, consult a GP or telehealth doctor.