After a hearty dinner, getting chest pains might leave you wondering whether it is gas pain or something else like an attack. Since the two conditions are polar opposites yet present with the same signs, learning about the difference between gas pain and heart attack is a good move. Right identification can avert the possibility of fatality.
How To Know If The Chest Pain Is Just Gas?
Gas Pain
Gas pain is often referred to as flatulence or bloating. It is a common digestive condition that occurs when excessive amounts of gas accumulate in the GI tract. Usually, it happens when bacteria in your gut break down food to release it; however, there are times when swallowing air while eating or drinking may also cause it.
Usually, gas pain is localized in the abdominal area and may get worse after eating particular foods like beans, broccoli, or dairy. In most cases, gas pain in the chest can be relieved through dietary modifications, such as avoiding gas-producing foods. Other than that, chest pain due to gas can get better with over-the-counter medications as well.
Signs of Gas in Chest
Some of the common signs include:
- Passing gas via your mouth as burps
- Flatulence from the anus
- Discomfort
- Sharp, short-term pains
- Intense cramps in your stomach or abdomen.
- Mobile pain and ends fast
- Feeling like your stomach is in knots
- Bloating
Heart Attack
A heart attack is also known as a myocardial infarction (MI). It is a condition where the blood flow to the heart muscle is blocked, often due to plaque in the coronary arteries. This accumulation permanently damages the heart muscle if not treated right away.
Chest pain is the most common and usual sign of a heart attack, but the list also includes shortness of breath, cold sweats, palpitations, etc. Unlike gas pain, symptoms of heart attack are felt in various parts of the upper body.
There are different ranges and levels of attack, with some experiencing more subtle symptoms while others debilitating pain.
Heart Attack Signs
- Chest discomfort
- Chest heaviness
- The feeling of the squeeze, aches, burning.
- Pain in one or both arms radiating to the left shoulder, neck, back, throat, jaw, or even stomach.
- Shortness of breath with or without chest discomfort.
- Sudden fatigue
- Vomiting
- Nausea
- Weakness
- Lightheadedness
- Cold sweat
- Unexplained anxiety
- Heart palpitations
- Increased heart rate
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Closing Note
While gas pain and heart attack both cause discomfort in the same area, they differ in symptoms, severity, and the root cause. Gas pain is typically benign, while a heart attack is a medical emergency, so call 911 for help. If you need help or want to learn more about this, contact Dr. Rajesh Ramineni at Healthy Living Heart and Vein, a 5-star rated cardiologist in The Woodlands. He is certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine in the field of Echocardiography and can deal with your cardio needs. You can consult us at (936) 978-0466 to schedule an appointment. Your health is our priority, and we are ready to assist you in every way possible.