SUNDAY, Nov. 17, 2024 (HealthDay News) — You stocked up on treats at a family gathering and suddenly feel chest pains. Is it heartburn or something worse?

Being able to tell the difference between indigestion and cardiovascular problems could save your life, said Dr Maya Balakrishnanassociate professor of gastroenterology at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston.

Unfortunately, the risks of suffering from one or other of these pathologies increase with age.

“As we age, the muscles that control the esophagus weaken, which is why there is an increased risk of stomach acid reflux into the esophagus,” Balakrishnan noted in a Baylor press release. “Similarly, as we age, we get an increased risk of cardiovascular disease due to increased risk of factors such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes.

How to decipher your symptoms? Balakrishnan provided an introduction to each condition.

First, heartburn. Widely considered a gastrointestinal problem, it tends to occur when people eat a lot and stomach acids back up into the esophagus. This may cause a burning sensation in the chest or a metallic or sour taste in the mouth.

“It’s usually related to what people eat or whether people go to bed quickly after eating,” Balakrishnan said.

In addition to heavy meals, major factors for heartburn during the holidays may include:

• Salty foods

• Spicy foods

• Tomato Foods

• Chocolate

• Alcohol

• Caffeine

“To prevent heartburn, best practices include being aware of trigger foods, eating smaller meals, taking a walk after eating, and generally staying upright for at least three to four hours after eating.” , noted Balakrishnan.

If you end up with a serious case of heartburn anyway, treatment may include taking over-the-counter antacids or prescription medications such as proton pump inhibitors and H2 blockers, which lower acid levels in the stomach.

Sometimes this chest pain can be more serious.

Heart disease can usually include chest pain. This could be pain from angina, pain or discomfort that occurs when your heart doesn’t get enough oxygen, or a more serious event like a heart attack. heart attack.

These conditions can occur if a person is resting or exercising. Chest pain may be accompanied by shortness of breath or dizziness. Learn more about heart attacks and their symptoms from American Heart Association.

“We medically call this type of pain angina, which involves heart problems, like blood supply,” Balakrishnan said. “These conditions are more serious than heartburn. They are potentially life-threatening and linked to people’s cardiovascular health.

It is important to talk to your doctor about your risk of cardiovascular disease. See a doctor if you experience persistent chest pain, especially if you have risk factors for heart disease like diabetes, smoking or high blood pressure, Balakrishnan added.

SOURCE: Baylor College of Medicine, press release, November 14, 2024