10/24/2026
Heartburn or heart attack? From an ER doctor: they can feel alike, and that's exactly the problem.
More reassuring: a burning feeling after a big meal that eases with antacids and doesn't spread. More concerning: pressure, squeezing or tightness, pain spreading to your arm, jaw, neck or back, shortness of breath, sweating, nausea or lightheadedness. Women and people with diabetes are more likely to have subtler symptoms.
When in doubt, get checked. Nobody in the ER is annoyed that your heartburn turned out to be heartburn.
If this is happening right now, call 911 or go to the ER.
Save this. Send it to the person who always says "it's probably nothing."