Heart Attack or Gas Pain? Know the Difference and Identify Chest Pain Early

Chest pain can be alarming—and it should be, because it could be a sign of a heart attack. But many times, it might also just be gas or indigestion. The key is knowing the differences in symptoms so you can take timely action if needed.

Here’s a clear comparison to help you understand whether it’s a heart attack or gas pain:

✅ Heart Attack (Myocardial Infarction): Warning Symptoms

Usually needs immediate medical attention

1. Type of Pain:
   • Crushing, squeezing, tightness, pressure, or heaviness in the chest
   • May feel like someone is sitting on your chest
2. Location:
   • Center or left side of the chest
   • May spread to left arm, shoulders, jaw, neck, or back
3. Duration:
   • Lasts more than a few minutes or comes and goes
4. Other Symptoms:
   • Shortness of breath
   • Cold sweats
   • Nausea or vomiting
   • Lightheadedness or dizziness
   • Feeling of impending doom
5. Triggered By:
   • Physical exertion, stress, or sometimes occurs at rest

✅ Gas or Indigestion Pain

Usually not life-threatening, but uncomfortable

1. Type of Pain:
   • Sharp or stabbing pain
   • Burning sensation (similar to heartburn)
2. Location:
   • Often under the ribs or upper abdomen
   • May radiate to the chest but not typically the arm or jaw
3. Duration:
   • Comes and goes; may get better with burping or passing gas
4. Other Symptoms:
   • Bloating
   • Belching
   • Acidic taste in mouth
   • Relief after bowel movement
5. Triggered By:
   • Overeating
   • Spicy or oily food
   • Lying down after eating
   • Gas-producing foods

🚨 When to Call Emergency Services:

• If chest pain lasts more than 5 minutes
• Doesn’t go away with rest or medication
• Is accompanied by shortness of breath, cold sweat, or dizziness
• Especially if you have risk factors: high BP, diabetes, smoking, obesity, or family history of heart disease

🔍 Simple Tip to Distinguish:

• If moving or pressing the chest makes it worse, it’s more likely muscular or gas-related.
• If it worsens with exertion or doesn’t change with position, think heart-related.

If in any doubt, always treat it as a potential heart attack and seek medical help right away. Better safe than sorry.