How can one differentiate between heart pain and gas pain

While

gas pain

and

heart pain

may share some similarities, they have distinct characteristics. Medical research underscores the importance of recognizing heart pain as a potential emergency. When in doubt, prioritize your heart and seek immediate medical care, as timely intervention can save lives. How can one differentiate between heart pain and gas pain? Many people mistake gas pain for a heart attack, leading to either undue panic or the dangerous neglect of a serious heart condition.

Here are some key questions and medically backed insights to help distinguish between the two.

What causes heart pain and gas pain?

According to Dr. T. S. Kler, Chairman & HOD – BLK-Max Heart & Vascular Institute, Chairman Pan Max – Electrophysiology, “Heart pain, or angina, occurs when the heart muscle doesn’t get enough oxygen-rich blood. It may be due to coronary artery disease, where plaque builds up in the arteries, restricting blood flow. A heart attack (myocardial infarction) occurs when this blockage becomes severe or complete.”
Medical studies, such as those published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology, emphasize that heart pain typically occurs during physical exertion or stress and improves with rest or medication like nitroglycerin.

According to Dr. Sanjeev Chaudhary, Chairman, Cardiology, Marengo Asia Hospital Gurugram, “Many people mistake heart-related discomfort with gas pain, which can lead to dangerous delays in seeking medical care. Heart pain and gas pain can both occur in the chest region, but knowing the differences is essential for timely action.”

Characteristics of chest pain

Chest pain is commonly referred to as angina or a heart attack. It is mostly due to reduced blood supply to the heart muscle. The sensation usually felt is pressure, heaviness, or squeezing in the chest.

Location: Usually at the center or on the left side of the chest but radiates to the arms (the left arm), neck, jaw, back, or stomach.
More than a few minutes in duration, it often worsens with exertion or stress but does not completely resolve with rest.
Symptoms- Sweating, nausea, dizziness, shortness of breath, or an impending sense of doom.
Triggers: It can be precipitated by physical activity, emotional stress, or a heavy meal.
Nitroglycerin Response: Symptoms in angina often improve with treatment using drugs such as nitroglycerin, causing blood vessels to dilate.

Characteristics of gas pain

Gas pain begins in the gastrointestinal tract but is most often the result of trapped gas or indigestion. Though it can be confused with heart pain.
Location: The location of the pain is typically in the upper abdomen and radiates into the chest, causing confusion.
Nature of Pain: Gas pain tends to occur as sharp, stabbing or cramp-like sensations but is not as constant or as severe as pain from the heart.
Duration: It comes and goes and is relieved by burping, passing gas, or changing positions.
Triggers: Consuming gas-producing foods, carbonated drinks, or overeating are common causes.
Symptoms: Gas pain typically does not cause shortness of breath, sweating, or dizziness.

How can one minimize confusion between the two?
To reduce the risk of mistaking one for the other:
1. Know your risk factors (e.g., high cholesterol, diabetes, family history of heart disease).
2. Pay attention to symptom triggers and duration.
3. Avoid self-diagnosis—consult a healthcare professional when in doubt.
What red flags indicate a potential heart attack?
You should seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
1. Persistent chest pain lasting more than 10-15 minutes.
2. Pain radiating to other areas like the jaw or arms.
3. Severe shortness of breath or dizziness.
4. Cold sweats or an impending sense of doom.
A study highlighted that a significant number of heart attack patients delayed seeking treatment because they misinterpreted symptoms as gas or muscle pain.
Various researchers and health organizations indicate clear ways to differentiate between heart pains and gas pains. To illustrate, chest pain, especially worsening with physical activities, that does not subside upon changing positions would more likely be associated with the heart, according to a study published in the Journal of Emergency Medicine.

On the other hand, gas pains often improve once burping or passing gas occurs or when the individual changes position. Moreover, a circulation study in 2019 emphasizes that individuals who have risk factors such as high blood pressure, diabetes, smoking habits, or a family history of heart disease should not take any chest pain lightly and view it as a possible heart condition until proven otherwise. We diagnose heart-related problems by using tools such as electrocardiograms, blood tests for markers like troponin, and imaging studies to rule out the condition of the heart.
A differentiation between heart pain and gas pain involves careful observation along with a watchful eye for accompanying symptoms. Although gas pain is usually harmless, mistakenly attributing heart pain to some kind of digestive issue can prove deadly. If there is any doubt at all, seek medical evaluation immediately to rule out a heart attack. It is by understanding the nuances that individuals can make informed decisions and potentially save lives. Remember, it is always better to be overly cautious than to ignore potential warning signs.