Heart attack often feels like pressure, heaviness, or squeezing pain in the chest. It may also spread to the arm, neck, jaw, or back.

Heartburn usually causes a burning sensation in the chest and may be accompanied by a sour or bitter taste in the mouth.

Differentiate  them based on clinical symptoms:

Heartburn (GERD/Acid Reflux):

Cause: Acid reflux irritating the esophagus.

Key Clinical Features:

• Burning sensation in the chest or upper abdomen.

• Pain often starts after eating, especially spicy or fatty foods.

• Pain may worsen when lying down or bending over.

• May be relieved by antacids.

• Often associated with a sour taste, burping, or regurgitation.

• Usually not associated with exertion.

• Pain does not radiate.

Myocardial Infarction (MI):

• Pressure, squeezing, or tightness in the center or left side of chest.

• Pain may radiate to: Left arm, Neck or jaw, Back or shoulders

• Not related to meals; more likely to occur at rest or with exertion.

• Not relieved by antacids.

Associated symptoms:

• Shortness of breath

• Cold sweats

• Nausea or vomiting

• Lightheadedness or dizziness

• Feeling of impending doom

• Often lasts more than 20 minutes and may wax and wane.

Alarm  signs  Suggesting heart attack:

• Chest pain during physical activity or emotional stress

• Pain radiating to jaw, neck, arms

• Accompanied by sweating, nausea, or breathlessness

• No relief with antacids or positional changes

• History of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, or smoking

Easy Rule of Thumb:

“If chest pain is new, severe, or scary—treat it like a heart attack until a doctor proves otherwise.”

When in doubt, order ECG and cardiac enzymes.