Heartburn or Heart Attack? How to Tell the Difference After a Heavy Holiday Meal

Heartburn happens when stomach acid flows back into the esophagus, usually after eating large meals, spicy dishes, or lying down too soon after dinner. It often causes:

• A burning sensation in the chest or throat
• Bitter taste in the mouth
• Discomfort that worsens when lying down or bending over
• Relief with antacids or standing upright
   

While heartburn can be painful, it typically improves with simple remedies. But because it occurs in the chest, it’s easy to mistake it for something more dangerous.

Heart attacks don’t always present with dramatic, crushing chest pain. In fact, especially in women and older adults, symptoms can be subtle. Unlike heartburn, a heart attack may include:

• Pressure, tightness, or squeezing in the chest that doesn’t go away
• Pain radiating to the arm, back, neck, or jaw
• Shortness of breath
• Nausea, vomiting, or cold sweats
• Sudden fatigue or dizziness
   

A key difference: heart attack pain usually isn’t relieved by antacids or changing position, and it often comes with additional whole-body symptoms.

If you’re not sure whether it’s heartburn or a heart attack, err on the side of caution. Call 911 immediately if you have chest pain with shortness of breath, sweating, nausea, or pain spreading beyond your chest.

For frequent heartburn, ongoing reflux, or uncertainty about your symptoms, talk to a provider. Chronic acid reflux (GERD) can damage the esophagus and increase cancer risk if untreated. Telehealth makes it easy to discuss symptoms, get treatment, and decide if further testing is needed.

At CallOnDoc, our providers can evaluate your symptoms, prescribe safe medications for reflux, and help you know when it’s time to seek emergency care. Quick access to guidance means you don’t have to sit in fear or second-guess your symptoms.

👉 Real urgent care. No appointments. 15-minute prescriptions.