Heartburn: It's not a Heart Disease.

Also called: Acid indigestion, Pyrosis

Almost everyone, at any age, may experience heartburn. Heartburn is a painful burning feeling in the chest. It is commonly caused by acid reflux. Acid reflux occurs when acid in the stomach flows back (reflux) into the esophagus—a tube that carries food from the mouth to the stomach. The esophagus does not have protection against stomach acid. When stomach acid touches the lining of the esophagus it can cause a burning feeling in the chest or the throat.

If you experience heartburn more than twice a week, you may have gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). GERD is a more serious form of gastroesophageal reflux (GER). GER occurs when the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) opens spontaneously or does not close tightly. This allows stomach acid and other stomach contents to flow into the esophagus and irritate it. The LES is a muscular ring at the end of the esophagus that prevents stomach acid from flowing back into the esophagus.

Obesity, pregnancy, smoking, certain foods and some medications may bring about heartburn. Over-the-counter antacids or medications may help. If the heartburn continues and appear not to be relieved by antacids, you may need prescription medicines or surgical intervention. Treating heartburn is important because over time the stomach acid that flows back into the esophagus can damage it.

If you have other symptoms such as crushing chest pain or squeezing pressure in the chest and pain radiating down both arms, it could be heart attack. Get help immediately.

Tips to control heartburn

 Avoid foods and beverages that affect lower esophageal sphincter pressure or irritate the esophagus lining.

 Lose weight if overweight.

 Stop smoking.

 Elevate the head of the bed 6 inches.

 Avoid lying down 2 to 3 hours after eating.

 Take an antacid.

Before taking in any medications, consult first with your healthcare provider.

If you have repeated heartburn, it may lead to serious complications. You should have it checked by your doctor so that he or she can conduct tests to look for any complications.

Source: Scientific information provided by the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse and the National Institutes of Health. Web URL: http://digestive.niddk.nih.gov/ddiseases/pubs/gerd/index.htm

Page Last Updated: September 29, 2010

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD), or acid reflux, occurs when your lower esophageal sphincter (junction between the esophagus and the stomach) fails to close adequately after food has entered the stomach. The stomach contents can reflux (back up) into the lower portion of the esophagus. Hydrochloric acid (HCl) from the stomach contents can irritate the wall of the esophagus, thus resulting in a painful or burning sensation in the chest. Although it is unrelated to any cardiac problems, this burning sensation is called heartburn because it is experienced in a region very near your heart.

Smoking and alcohol drinking may cause relaxation of the sphincter, thus worsening the problem.

Symptoms of GERD can often be controlled by avoiding or limiting intake of foods that stimulate stomach acid secretion such as fatty foods, coffee, onions, chocolate, peppermint, spearmint, consuming too much alcohol.

Eating hot and spicy foods do not cause GERD to happen. However, they can make your symptoms worse.

Some of the medications used such as Cimetidine, Ranitidine, and esomeprazole inhibits gastric acid production by certain cells in your stomach. Antacids neutralize acids already released in the stomach.

See Also: Complications of GERD

Resources: US Food and Drug Administration, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Page Last Revised: August 4, 2012