Acid Reflux or Heart Attack? Take This Quiz to Know the Difference

This is what Mrs. Olivia shared with us during her consultation. Chest discomfort or pain can be scary, and it’s not always easy to identify its cause. Sometimes, the symptoms of acid reflux or heartburn mimic those of a heart attack.

Severe heartburn and a heart attack may be hard to tell apart. Knowing the differences between the two can help you learn when to get immediate medical help. 

This quiz, designed by the experts at Nirva Health, will help you determine whether the chest discomfort and pain you’re experiencing is due to just a common acid reflux issue or a life-threatening heart attack.

Disclaimer: 
This quiz is intended for informational and educational purposes only and does not substitute professional medical advice or diagnosis. Always consult your physician regarding your health issues. Call your local emergency service without delay if you think you or someone you know may be having a heart attack.

Acid Reflux or Heart Attack? Take the Quiz

So, are you ready to find out whether your symptoms point to acid reflux or a heart attack by taking this quiz? Here are the steps: Below is a multi-choice questionnaire. Select the best answer based on your experience. Write down your answers as A, B, C, or D for each question. In the end, the letter chosen most frequently will determine the result.

1. What does your chest pain feel like?

A) A burning sensation in the chest region, which usually occurs after eating.
B) A sharp, stabbing, or squeezing type of pain in the chest that radiates to the neck, shoulder, arms, or back.
C) A sharp pain that worsens when you breathe or move but improves with rest.
D) Just a mild discomfort in the chest region.

2. Where exactly do you feel the pain or discomfort?

A) In the upper abdomen or behind the breastbone (sternum), which sometimes rises toward the throat.
B) In the centre or left side of the chest, radiating to your neck, shoulders, arms, jaw, or back.
C) The pain is localised to the chest and worsens with physical activities.
D) In the chest or upper abdomen, which worsens when you lie down or bend over.

3. When does the pain typically occur?

A) The pain occurs after a meal or when you lie down, especially if the food is spicy, oily, or acidic.
B) The pain occurs suddenly, during physical exertion or during rest.
C) Only certain postures or movements trigger the pain.
D) Pain occurs late at night or when you’re lying down.

4. Do antacids or drinking water help reduce chest pain or discomfort?

A) Yes, the pain usually improves after drinking water or taking antacids.
B) No, I tried everything, but nothing seemed to help relieve the pain.
C) I’m not sure. I haven’t tried anything yet.
D) Yes, water and antacids provide mild relief, but the discomfort still persists.

5. Are you finding it difficult to breathe?

A) No, my breathing feels absolutely normal.
B) Yes, I find it difficult to breathe even when I’m resting.
C) I don’t feel short of breath, but it hurts to breathe.
D) Occasionally, but I can still breathe comfortably.

6. Do you have other symptoms like nausea, vomiting, or cold sweats?

A) I don’t have these symptoms, but I sometimes feel bloated.
B) Yes, I feel nauseous and sweaty, and my skin feels clammy and pale.
C) I feel uncomfortable while changing positions suddenly.
D) I feel slightly nauseous, but otherwise, I feel fine.

7. Does physical activity make the pain worse?

A) No, the pain seems to remain constant and does not change with physical activities, but it gets worse after eating or when I’m lying down.
B) Yes, the pain increases when I exert myself but does not improve with rest.
C) Yes, certain movements make the pain worse, but I get relief with rest.
D) Not significantly, but I feel occasional discomfort, especially after meals.

You have reached the end of the quiz. Take a minute and review your options. Make sure you’ve selected the option that is most similar to your experience. Now, count the number of times each letter appears in your answers.

Quiz Results: Acid Reflux or Heart Attack?

It’s time to interpret your results and end the confusion regarding your symptoms. 

Mostly A’s: Likely Acid Reflux (GERD)

If you chose mostly A’s, your symptoms probably point to acid reflux, which is commonly referred to as GERD (gastro-oesophageal reflux disease), which occurs when stomach contents back up into your food pipe (oesophagus).

Symptoms like a burning sensation in the upper belly or chest that moves upward to your throat, especially after intake of foods that are spicy or oily or drinking acidic beverages, and worsens when you lie down is a common sign of GERD.

Some ways to relieve acid reflux discomfort are to: 

• Eat small amounts of food, but more frequently, so there is enough time for digestion. Avoid lying down immediately after meals. 
• Make an approximate interval of 2 hours between dinner and sleep. 
• Avoid spicy, fried, and acidic foods such as tomatoes, citrus fruits, and carbonated drinks.
• Antacids may provide quick relief from your symptoms by neutralising excessive stomach acid, but you should consult your doctor if symptoms persist or worsen.

Mostly B’s: Possible Heart Attack – Seek Immediate Medical Help

If most of your answers are B’s, it is highly possible that you’re having the symptoms of a heart attack. Symptoms like chest pain or a feeling of pressure on the chest; pain radiating to your neck, shoulders, arms, jaw, and back; nausea; shortness of breath; and excessive sweating, even at rest, point towards a heart attack.

What should you do in this situation?

• Never ignore these symptoms. Remain calm; call for the ambulance.
• Dial the local emergency contact number (999 or 911) right away.
• If you are not allergic or sensitive to aspirin, you can chew an aspirin tablet quickly to thin your blood and reduce the chances of clot formation.
• Avoid driving yourself to the hospital, as you might experience symptoms like dizziness, chest pain, or loss of consciousness.

Mostly C’s: Possible Musculoskeletal Pain (Costochondritis or Muscle Strain)

Relax! Your symptoms are not likely because of acid reflux or a heart attack. Symptoms such as chest pain in certain positions that may be aggravated by breathing deeply or any physical exertion and relieved by rest are mostly due to musculoskeletal conditions like costochondritis (inflammation of the cartilage that joins the ribs to the sternum) or muscle strain.

What can you do to relieve the pain?

• Rest and avoidance of any heavy activity, lifting, or anything strenuous are a must.
• You can also apply an ice pack or a hot compress to the site of pain to relieve the pain. 
• For intolerable pain, anti-inflammatories such as ibuprofen should be used. 
• See a doctor if your pain worsens or persists, even if you are trying home remedies.

Mostly D’s: Mild Acid Reflux or Indigestion

If you have answered mostly D’s, your symptoms point to mild digestion-related disorders: bloating, acid reflux, or indigestion. Although not very serious, these conditions respond very well to simple adjustments in diet and lifestyle, effective home remedies, and over-the-counter medications.

Here are some steps you can take to relieve those symptoms:

• Eat mindfully. Do not rush through meals, chew food well, and avoid overeating. 
• Drinking enough water to stay hydrated helps digestion and smooth elimination of waste from the body. 
• Avoid fried and processed food and sugary or carbonated drinks. 
• Add spices such as fennel, ginger, turmeric, and black pepper to food as you prepare it, or use them to make herbal teas to bolster gut health.

Key Differences: Acid Reflux vs. Heart Attack

How do doctors differentiate between the two conditions? Let us look at the main differences between acid reflux and a heart attack.

When to Seek Emergency Help

If you experience these symptoms, do not ignore them or delay getting medical attention. Call 999 (or 911 or your local emergency number) immediately.

• A sudden and severe pain in the chest lasts for more than a few minutes and is not relieved by rest.
• Pain spreads to your neck, shoulders, arms, jae, or upper back.
• Shortness of breath, dizziness, or episodes of fainting.
• Nausea and vomiting.
• Sweating profusely without any physical activities that leave your skin feeling cold and clammy (cold sweats).

How to Prevent Acid Reflux and Improve Heart Health

It’s easier to stop something from happening in the first place rather than repair the damage once it has happened. Here are some simple yet effective tips that can help you prevent acid reflux and improve heart health.

Follow these tips to prevent acid reflux and the uncomfortable symptoms it causes:

• Eat smaller meals more frequently rather than eating too much during a single meal.
• Avoid eating late at night, just before your bedtime.
• Do not lie down immediately after eating.
• Avoid foods and drinks that trigger acid reflux, such as citrus fruits, spicy and fatty foods, and carbonated and sugary beverages.
• Maintain a healthy body weight by eating healthy and staying physically active to reduce the pressure on your abdomen.
• Try sleeping on your left side to prevent acidic stomach contents from backing up into your food pipe.

Stay heart-healthy! Here are some useful tips for you:

• Stay physically active to maintain a healthy body weight. Exercise for at least 30 minutes daily. 
• Make sure you eat a balanced diet rich in fresh fruits and veggies, whole grains, and healthy fats. 
• Minimise your intake of baked and fried foods. 
• From yoga and meditation to breath exercises, find a way to relieve stress and reduce heart troubles that are associated with stress. 
• Stay away from smoking and limit alcohol intake. Smoking weakens and damages the blood vessels, while alcohol causes high blood pressure, putting more strain on the heart.

Wrapping Up

Symptoms of acid reflux that are almost indistinguishable from those of a heart attack can be frightening and frustrating. Knowing the difference between an actual heart attack and acid reflux can help everyone around you not needlessly panic and worry. 

It can also ensure that if a heart attack occurs, you recognise the signs early and seek immediate medical attention before it becomes life-threatening. 

If your symptoms persist or worsen over time, you should immediately consult a healthcare professional for diagnosis and treatment. This can help clear up any confusion, not only supporting better health but also giving you peace of mind so you can lead a worry-free life.