What is the Difference Between Heart Attack and Gastric Pain?

06/23/2025 • Maryella Faratro

The main difference between heart attack and gastric pain lies in the characteristics of the pain and the associated symptoms. Here are the key differences:

  1. Nature of the pain: Heart attack usually feels like pressure, tightness, or squeezing, while gastric pain tends to be more of a burning sensation. Heart attack pain may radiate up toward the left shoulder, arm, and neck, whereas gastric pain is often localized in the upper belly or lower chest.
  2. Conditions that trigger the pain: Heart attack pain typically worsens during physical activities, whereas gastric pain is usually unrelated to physical activities. Gastric pain may be worse after eating and when lying down, but a heart attack can happen after a meal too.
  3. Associated symptoms: Heart attack is often accompanied by other symptoms such as cold sweat, palpitations, light-headedness, nausea, vomiting, pain in the upper body, and shortness of breath. Gastric pain may occur with bloating and belching.
  4. Relief: Gastric pain can be relieved by drugs that reduce acid levels in the stomach. Heart attack pain is not relieved by medication.

If you are unsure whether the pain is a heart attack or gastric pain, it is essential to seek immediate medical attention. While heart attacks are life-threatening, gastric pain is not. It is always better to be safe and consult a healthcare professional to determine the cause of the pain and receive appropriate treatment.

Comparative Table: Heart Attack vs Gastric Pain

Here is a table comparing the differences between heart attack and gastric pain:

Feature Heart Attack Gastric Pain
Location Chest, left arm, jaw, or shoulders Upper abdomen, around the stomach, and back or chest
Type of Pain Pressure, tightness, or squeezing sensation Burning or gnawing sensation
Radiation Pain radiates to one or both arms and up the shoulder, particularly on the left Pain may radiate to the throat but not to the extremities
Accompanying Symptoms Shortness of breath, nausea, and sweating Bloating, gas, and belching
Causes Blockage of blood flow to the heart, leading to damage or death of heart muscle Acid reflux, peptic ulcers, or inflammation of the stomach lining
Diagnosis Comprehensive diagnosis, including electrocardiogram (ECG) and blood tests Gas pain usually resolves on its own, but dietary changes may be recommended if persists

It is essential to seek medical assistance if you experience chest pain, as it is crucial to differentiate between heart attack and gastric pain to determine the appropriate course of treatment.

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