Gas or heart attack? How to tell the difference before it's too late

Chest pain is one of the most alarming and concerning symptoms, often triggering fears of a heart attack. However, it can also result from non-cardiac causes such as gas, indigestion, or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), which can mimic heart-related discomfort. A study published in Cureus examined public awareness of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) symptoms, risk factors, and the correct emergency responses among individuals with and without GERD in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia. The research revealed notable gaps in recognising the warning signs of heart attacks and knowing the proper first steps to take, highlighting an urgent need for improved public education to prevent misdiagnosis, dangerous delays, and potentially fatal outcomes.


Difference in symptoms of heart attack and gas
Chest pain is a symptom that can signal a life-threatening heart attack or a relatively benign cause like gas or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), making it difficult for individuals to distinguish between the two without proper knowledge. Heart attack pain, medically known as acute myocardial infarction (AMI), often presents as a sudden, intense pressure, heaviness, or tightness in the centre or left side of the chest. It may radiate to other areas such as the jaw, neck, shoulders, arms, or even the upper back. This pain is usually accompanied by additional warning signs such as shortness of breath, cold sweats, dizziness, nausea, and a sense of impending doom.

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In contrast, chest discomfort caused by gas or GERD tends to be less uniform and often relates to digestion. Individuals may experience sharp, stabbing, or burning sensations, typically localised around the upper abdomen, just beneath the breastbone, or slightly off to one side. These symptoms are often linked to recent meals, swallowing air, or overeating, and may improve after burping or passing gas. GERD-related chest pain is usually accompanied by bloating, acid reflux, heartburn, or a feeling of fullness, but rarely triggers severe sweating, dizziness, or the intense pressure characteristic of a heart attack.

The Cureus study highlighted that public awareness of these distinctions remains limited. Only about half of the participants surveyed correctly identified calling an ambulance as the immediate action for suspected heart attack symptoms, showing a dangerous gap in knowledge that could lead to delayed treatment and worse outcomes. Recognising the subtle but critical differences between cardiac and non-cardiac chest pain is essential, as misinterpretation can either cause unnecessary panic or, more seriously, result in life-threatening delays in seeking medical care. Education campaigns, patient counselling, and public health messaging are crucial to help people respond appropriately and potentially save lives.


Tips to reduce confusion from gas or GERD
For individuals prone to indigestion or gas, lifestyle adjustments can help minimise misleading chest discomfort:

• Eat smaller, more frequent meals.
• Avoid carbonated drinks and gas-producing foods such as beans, cabbage, and fried items.
• Chew food thoroughly and avoid swallowing air.
• Manage stress through relaxation techniques, yoga, or meditation.

Key risk factors and their role
The research also explored awareness of heart attack risk factors. Participants most frequently recognised obesity and smoking, followed by conditions such as diabetes and high cholesterol. Interestingly, awareness of these risks did not differ significantly between GERD and non-GERD groups. Since GERD shares several risk factors with cardiovascular disease, those affected must remain vigilant, ensuring that potentially serious cardiac symptoms are not misattributed to gastrointestinal issues.

Prompt action during chest pain onset can be life-saving. Despite widespread general knowledge that heart attacks require immediate attention, fewer participants knew the correct emergency procedures. Less than half could name the ambulance number or would immediately seek medical help. Educational initiatives emphasizing recognition of heart attack symptoms and proper emergency responses could improve outcomes significantly, particularly in populations with GERD or other comorbidities.