Understanding Heart Attack Symptoms: When They Mimic Gastric Reflux
Did you know a heart attack can sometimes feel like gastric reflux? Maryland doctor explains
Image: Hindustan Times
Dr. Kunal Sood, a Maryland physician, highlights that heart attack symptoms can sometimes resemble gastric reflux. Many people expect dramatic chest pain, but symptoms like pressure, nausea, and fatigue can also indicate a heart issue, particularly in women. Recognizing these signs is crucial for timely medical intervention.
- 01Heart attacks can present symptoms like reflux, pressure, or tightness in the chest, rather than just dramatic pain.
- 02The heart and esophagus share nerve pathways, causing confusion in symptom interpretation.
- 03Women may experience more subtle symptoms, including chest tightness, nausea, and unusual fatigue.
- 04Symptoms that are new, severe, or different from usual reflux should prompt medical attention.
- 05Dr. Sood emphasizes that recognizing changes from one's normal health baseline is critical for identifying potential heart issues.
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Dr. Kunal Sood, a Maryland-based physician specializing in anesthesiology and interventional pain medicine, explains that heart attacks can sometimes feel like gastric reflux. Many people expect heart attacks to present as dramatic chest pain, but symptoms can also include pressure, tightness, nausea, and unusual fatigue, especially in women. This confusion arises because the heart and esophagus share overlapping nerve pathways, leading the brain to misinterpret reduced blood flow as indigestion or burning sensations. Dr. Sood warns that symptoms like chest tightness, shortness of breath, and back pain may be dismissed as anxiety or reflux, delaying crucial medical attention. He stresses that while reflux is common, any new or severe symptoms that differ from usual experiences should be evaluated by a healthcare professional. Recognizing these atypical symptoms can be vital for timely intervention and treatment.
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Understanding atypical heart attack symptoms can lead to earlier diagnosis and treatment, potentially saving lives.
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