Chest pain isn't always a sign of a heart attack, but knowing the difference could save your life.

If you finish a big meal and suddenly feel a burning sensation in your chest, you may be wondering if it's something you ate or if it could be a sign of a heart attack.

Heartburn and heart attacks can cause similar symptoms, making it hard to tell them apart. But since one is usually harmless and the other can be life-threatening, knowing what to look for can help you decide when you need immediate medical attention.

Why Heartburn and Heart Attacks Feel Similar

Heartburn happens when stomach acid flows back into the esophagus, the tube connecting your mouth to your stomach. This causes a burning feeling in your chest, often behind your breastbone.

A heart attack occurs when blood flow to part of the heart is blocked, depriving the heart muscle of oxygen. Although the causes are very different, both conditions can cause chest discomfort. In fact, even doctors may need tests to determine what's causing the pain.

Signs That May Point to Heartburn

Heartburn is more likely if you experience these symptoms:

• Burning after eating. Discomfort often starts after a large meal or after eating spicy, fatty or acidic foods.
• Pain when lying down. Symptoms may get worse when you bend over or lie flat, especially soon after eating.
• A sour taste in your mouth. You may notice an acidic taste or feel food or liquid coming back up your throat.
• Relief from antacids. Heartburn symptoms often improve after taking an antacid, although this doesn't rule out a heart attack.

Signs That May Point to a Heart Attack

A heart attack doesn't always cause sudden, crushing chest pain. Symptoms can be mild or develop slowly. Warning signs include:

• Chest pressure or tightness. You may feel squeezing, fullness or uncomfortable pressure in the center of your chest that lasts more than a few minutes or goes away and returns.
• Pain in other areas. Discomfort may spread to your arms, back, neck, jaw or stomach.
• Shortness of breath. You may have trouble breathing, even without chest pain.
• Other symptoms. Cold sweats, nausea, lightheadedness, extreme fatigue or sudden weakness may occur.

Women may be more likely than men to experience symptoms such as nausea, unusual fatigue or shortness of breath. Some people, especially those with diabetes, may have little or no chest pain.

What to Do If You're Not Sure

If you have new, unexplained chest discomfort, don't assume it's heartburn. Call 911 immediately if you think you may be having a heart attack, even if your symptoms seem mild. Don't drive yourself to the hospital.

If you have occasional heartburn with no warning signs, avoiding trigger foods, eating smaller meals and staying upright after eating may help. Talk to your doctor if heartburn happens frequently or doesn't improve.

You can't always tell the difference between heartburn and a heart attack based on symptoms alone. When in doubt, getting emergency medical care is the safest choice.

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Date Last Reviewed: October 16, 2026

Editorial Review: Andrea Cohen, Editorial Director, Baldwin Publishing, Inc. Contact Editor

Medical Review: Perry Pitkow, MD

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