Chest pain is terrible. At the moment when you feel sudden discomfort in your chest, the first thought that gets into your head: “Do I have a heart attack?”
But wait – what’s just gas?
A lot of people are confused symptoms of a heart attack In gastric pain, which led to unnecessary panic or dangerous delay in receiving medical care. So, let’s figure it out in simple words: how do you distinguish them?
How does the chest attack feel?
Heart attack (medical known as myocardial infarction) occurs when the blood to the heart is blocked, depriving the heart muscle of oxygen. This damage leads to serious symptoms, including a very clear type of chest pain.
A heart attack pain is usually the pressure, contraction or heaviness in the chest. Usually he likes the feeling of “an elephant sitting on his chest.” It usually begins in the middle or left side of the chest and can spread to the jaw, hands (left hand most), neck, shoulders or back. The discomfort persists longer than a few minutes, occasionally appearing and disappearing but never leaves. It may develop suddenly, usually after activity or even when moving, and is not exempted from a break or change.
The pain is associated with shortness of breath, sweating, nausea, dizziness, extreme fatigue or feeling of coming death, which often accompanies a heart attack.
What is gastric pain in the chest?
Gastric pain, however, is usually caused by acidity, bloating or gas content in the gastrointestinal tract. Gastric pain is usually sharp, burning or a knife, not pressure and squeezing. This can be accompanied by bloating. It is usually localized in the upper abdomen, but radiates on the chest, mimicing pain in the heart.
Eating spicy or fatty foods, lying immediately after eating or experienced acid reflux can cause gastric pain. Usually it removes itself after the detachment, water or antacid. It is uncomfortable but usually not life -threatening.
If you seek medical care
If you feel chest pain and not sure of it, it is always better to make a mistake on the side of caution. Seek medical care immediately if the pain is severe and sustainable. It spreads to other areas such as jaws, arms or shoulders. You feel shortness of breath, cold sweat, nausea or dizziness.
The pain does not improve when dropping, drinking water and not taking antacid.
Do not diagnose when it comes to chest pain. Delayed medical care can threaten life in the event of a heart attack.
Be aware, be safe, and if you doubt, always consult your doctor!
