Does Your Chest Discomfort Or Acidity Indicate Blocked Artery? Expert Shares Its Signs And Preventative Tips

Chest discomfort after a meal is often brushed off as acidity or indigestion. But when the sensation becomes persistent, intense, or unusual, it could point to something far more serious a warning sign of a blocked artery. In a country where heart disease remains one of the leading causes of death, mistaking cardiac symptoms for gastric issues can have life-threatening consequences. Recognising the subtle differences between acidity and heart-related pain is important. A study in 2021 conducted by the National Heart Institute in New Delhi found that almost 60% of the patients who experienced major cardiac attacks had initially waved off their symptoms as indigestion.

The similarity in symptoms between acid reflux (GERD) and heart disease can prove to be risky, so it is important to recognise what to do and when to undergo medical intervention.

Signs to Distinguish between Acidity and Heart Blockage?

• Burning in the chest (heartburn): Heartburn is a burning pain behind the breastbone, particularly after meals or on lying down. It tends to be relieved by antacids.
• Tightness or pressure in the chest: A sensation of heaviness or squeezing pressure that might spread to the arm, jaw, or back might be an indication of a clogged artery or heart attack. Most often this happens when one is active or experiencing stress.
• Burping and bloating: Typical in acid reflux and indigestion. The symptoms typically accompany a sour taste in the mouth or food regurgitation.
• Shortness of breath, cold sweat, or dizziness: These are red flag signs that are more indicative of a cardiac problem than a stomach issue. Get help right away if these occur with chest pain.
• Pain caused by food vs. activity: Pain caused by acid usually gets worse after eating; pain caused by the heart is more likely to happen during or after activity and can sometimes get better with rest.

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Preventive Tips to Stay Safe and Lower Risk

1. Learn your risk profile- If you have high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, or a family history of heart disease, take chest pain more seriously.
2. Eat smart- Skip oily, spicy, and late-night meals to avoid acid reflux. Add heart-healthy foods such as oats, greens, nuts, and lean proteins.
3. Manage stress and get enough sleep- Chronic stress and lack of sleep can exacerbate both GERD and heart health. Try mindfulness, yoga, and deep breathing
4. Be active- Regular moderate exercise makes the heart healthier. However, if chest pain happens when doing something, stop and get checked out.
5. Do not self-prescribe- Taking antacids without knowing what is causing the problem can cover up serious symptoms. See a doctor if chest pain does not go away.

If a blocked artery is not treated, it can result in a heart attack or cardiac arrest. Emergency treatment such as angioplasty, stenting, or coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) may then be necessary to open the blood vessel and salvage heart muscle.

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Not everything that hurts in the chest is a heart attack—but it's not worth risking it. If unsure, consult with a cardiologist.

This article is authored by Dr Bhupendra Singh, Consultant – Cardiology, Manipal Hospital, Ghaziabad.

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