Difference Between Gas Pain and Heart Attack
It’s a feeling many people have experienced: a sudden, sharp pain in the chest that brings a moment of panic. Is it just indigestion or something more serious? While chest pain is a classic sign of a heart attack, it can also be a symptom of gas. Knowing the difference can be difficult, but understanding the unique signs of each condition is key.
This blog offers valuable insights into the distinctions between gas pain and a heart attack. However, if you’re ever in doubt about the cause of your chest pain, you should seek emergency medical attention.
Understanding Gas Pain
Gas is a normal part of the digestive process. It’s created in the digestive tract when bacteria process certain foods or when air is swallowed. Sometimes, this gas can become trapped, leading to significant pain, bloating and general discomfort.
Common symptoms associated with gas include:
- Sharp, stabbing pains.
- A knotted feeling in your stomach.
- Bloating or a feeling of fullness.
- Belching and flatulence.
- Pain that moves around the abdomen.
Gas pain often occurs after eating or drinking, especially after consuming foods known to cause gas, such as beans, broccoli or carbonated beverages. The discomfort, while intense, is usually temporary and often relieved by belching or passing gas.
Recognizing a Heart Attack
A heart attack, or myocardial infarction, occurs when the blood flow to a part of the heart is blocked for a long enough time that part of the heart muscle is damaged or dies. Unlike the often-localized pain of gas, the discomfort from a heart attack can be more widespread and is frequently accompanied by other specific symptoms.
Key warning signs of a heart attack can include:
- Pressure, tightness or squeezing in the chest.
- Pain that spreads to the jaw, neck or back.
- Pain in one or both arms or the left shoulder.
- Shortness of breath.
- Cold sweat or sweating.
- Lightheadedness or dizziness.
- Sudden fatigue or tiredness.
- Nausea or indigestion.
It’s important to note that heart attack symptoms can vary greatly between individuals. Some people may experience intense chest pain, while others may feel only minor discomfort or symptoms like shortness of breath and nausea.
How To Tell the Difference Between Gas Pain and a Heart Attack
Distinguishing between gas pain and a heart attack can be challenging because some symptoms, like chest discomfort and indigestion, can overlap. However, there are key differences to be aware of.
Gas Pain
Gas pain is often characterized by a sharp, stabbing sensation that may shift around the abdomen and chest area. It’s typically related to eating and may be relieved by movement or passing gas.
Heart Attack Pain
Heart attack pain is more often described as a constant pressure, squeezing or fullness in the center of the chest. This pain may last for several minutes or come and go. It’s often accompanied by other symptoms, such as cold sweat or shortness of breath.
When To Seek Emergency Care
Because the stakes are so high, it’s always best to err on the side of caution. You should seek immediate medical attention if you experience unexplained chest pain, especially if it’s accompanied by any other potential heart attack symptoms.
Do not try to diagnose yourself. If you’re ever in doubt about the cause of your chest pain, call 911 immediately.
For recurring or severe gas pain, it’s advisable to consult your Baptist Health provider to rule out any underlying digestive issues. But when it comes to sudden, severe chest pain paired with other warning signs, waiting is not worth the risk.
If you have questions or general concerns about your heart health, call us at 888.530.2485. You can also visit our provider directory to find a Baptist Health cardiology provider, or take a Health Risk Assessment to better understand your heart health.
