HEALTH
Is it a heart attack or heartburn? The difference between the symptoms
Heart attack and heartburn present similar symptoms, and there is often a tendency to confuse them.
Heart attack is a serious condition that requires prompt medical intervention, while heartburn can also be treated at home.
In this photogallery, we explore the differences between the symptoms of heart attack and heartburn to help you understand when to go to the emergency room and when you can take an anti-inflammatory and get well. Let's find out together how to recognise these two conditions so that you can act promptly to avoid serious consequences.
Is it a heart attack or heartburn? The difference between the symptoms
Heart attack and heartburn can present similar symptoms, and there is often a tendency to confuse them. Heart attack is a serious condition that requires prompt medical intervention, while heartburn can also be treated at home. In this photogallery, we explore the differences between the symptoms of heart attack and heartburn to help you understand when to go to the emergency room and when you can take an anti-inflammatory and get well. Let's find out together how to recognise these two conditions so that you can act promptly to avoid serious consequences. (source: health.com)
Why is it difficult to distinguish them?
Distinguishing between heartburn and heart attack is very complicated because the nerves in the stomach and heart do not clearly signal to the brain where the pain originates. This creates a big problem because patients who have a heart attack often either have no symptoms, or have minor symptoms that are difficult to identify correctly.
When could it be heartburn
Gastrointestinal problems such as gastroesophageal reflux, ulcers and pancreatitis can all cause chest pain and other symptoms similar to those of a heart attack or angina, an overwhelming type of chest pain caused by decreased blood flow to the heart. If the symptoms are related to the digestive system, the pain worsens when changing position, particularly when lying down or bending over. In addition, the pain is more acute, especially after eating a fatty or spicy meal.
When could it be heart attack
Depending on heart and stomach conditions, people may experience different symptoms, but there are some indications that can help to differentiate. If it is a heart attack, other symptoms are often associated, such as sweating, nausea, dizziness, irregular pulse and difficult breathing. This pathology is manifested by severe oppression, burning or pressure in the chest.
Risk factors
To distinguish between heart attack and heartburn, each individual's personal risk factors must also be taken into account. Specifically, risk factors related to heart attack are diabetes, high cholesterol, obesity, and the presence of heart disease in the family history. In addition, the length of time for which the symptom is prolonged must be taken into consideration: angina lasts between 5 and 10 minutes on average, a heart attack is slightly longer while acid reflux can last hours.
At-risk categories
Certain categories of people are more likely to experience unusual heart attack symptoms. Women, for example, may experience symptoms such as generalised tiredness and nausea, while elderly people may experience shortness of breath, general malaise or a feeling of fainting.
Consult a physician or go to an emergency room if in doubt
Consulting a doctor or going to the emergency room in a timely manner is vital when you have symptoms whose cause you cannot identify: excessive sweating, pale colouring, fainting, general weakness and chest tightness are all symptoms that can be related to serious illnesses for which you need to take prompt action.
health
29/11/2023
An international analysis has shown how humour, used as a real hospital therapy, alleviates symptoms of anxiety, stress and depression in long-term chronic patients such as children who have just undergone surgery or even elderly people in nursing homes. The research was conducted internationally and published in the journal 'Brain and Behavior'.
Basically, it was a review of the existing literature (quantitative, qualitative and mixed studies). Thus, in addition to existing papers, as many as 29 articles were included, involving 2964 participants, conducted in nine different countries, such as the United States, Australia, Italy, Turkey, South Korea, Iran, Israel, China and Germany.
The majority of patients, the study authors suggest, stated that humour therapy had positive effects in reducing anxiety and depression, compared to a small number of subjects who found this approach to be insignificant.
eat well
28/11/2023
The vitamin B complex is a collective name for the B vitamins. They are water-soluble vitamins, necessary for the proper functioning of the metabolism.
The B vitamins are essential for providing us with the energy we need to carry out our daily activities, as well as for protecting our skin, hair and teeth, and for the prevention of certain diseases, from cardiovascular to neurological to skin diseases.
The 8 B vitamins include vitamin B1, vitamin B2, vitamin B3, vitamin B5, vitamin B6, vitamin B8, vitamin B9 and vitamin B12.
What are the main sources of vitamin B? Let's find out together. (Source: humanitas.co.uk)