When we listen to the terminologies ‘Heartburn’ and ‘Heart pain’, they sound so similar that we usually think that they occur because of problems in our heart. However, they are like opposite sides of the same coin: Similar yet completely different. They have similarity in presentation but completely different so long as implications are concerned. This poses great diagnostic dilemma for the patient as well as for the general practitioner.
HEARTBURN
Heartburn has nothing to do with the heart, though the name suggests so. It’s actually because of some issue in the stomach. It is otherwise known as acidity or hyperacidity. Acids are secreted in the stomach for digestion of food. However, when there is excessive acid secretion, over and above the normal it irritates the stomach musculature thereby causing chest pain.
HEART PAIN
Unlike heartburn, heart pain which is otherwise known as Angina, is indeed because of a problem in the heart. Remembering the very fact that heart is a pump which pumps blood throughout the body. Blood is the carrier which transports oxygen and nutrients etc, throughout the body because every part of the body is a living tissue and they require blood for sustenance of life. Though heart does this act of pumping for the whole body, it also requires blood (nutrients and oxygen etc.) for its own survival. There are many arteries (tubular structures) which carry blood to the heart muscles. Blockages in these arteries of the heart cause inadequate blood supply to the heart muscles thereby causing angina or chest pain.
It is imperative and important to know the two sides of the coin thereby preparing oneself to avoid a life threatening situation.
The author is Director& Chief Cardio Thoracic & Vascular Surgeon (Adult & Paediatric),
Venkateshwar Hospital, Dwarka, New Delhi
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Dr.Bikram Mohanty Director & Chief Cardio Thoracic & Vascular Surgeon (Adult & Paediatric), Venkateshwar Hospital, Dwarka, New Delhi |
