Many of us must have felt problems like chest pain or burning sensation at one time or the other. Sometimes it seems like there is gas, and sometimes I fear that it might be a heart attack. In fact, gas and heart attack, both these conditions can seem quite similar in their initial symptoms, especially in case of chest pain or heaviness, which is why people often get confused and are not able to get the necessary treatment at the right time.
Gas problems are usually stomach related and are not dangerous. Whereas heart attack is a serious medical emergency in which delay can be fatal. In such a situation, it is very important to understand how gas pain and heart attack pain differ and when you should immediately contact a doctor. So let us tell you today what is the difference between gas and heart attack and by adopting which precautions you can protect yourself from both.
1. Where and what kind of pain occurs – Gas pain usually occurs in the upper abdomen or lower chest. It feels like a burning, stinging or cramping feeling. This pain may become lighter or may even change its location when the position of the body changes. Along with gas, symptoms like flatulence, belching and relief after defecation are also seen. At the same time, heart attack is of a completely different type. This pain feels like heaviness, pressure or tightness in the middle of the chest, as if something is pressing the heart, this pain usually spreads towards the left arm, jaw, neck or back. The special thing is that there is no relief in changing the position of the body or burping.
2. Timing of pain and how to get relief – The pain of gas can last from a few minutes to 1 to 2 hours and as soon as the gas comes out in the form of belching or stool, the pain gets relieved. This pain comes and goes in bits and pieces. Whereas the pain of heart attack usually lasts for more than 15 to 20 minutes and there is no difference in it even after giving rest to the body. If the pain persists and increases, it can be a sign of danger.
3. Difference in the symptoms of both – In case of gas problem, flatulence, rumbling, belching and mild discomfort are felt. There is usually no sweating or dizziness. Heart attack has some specific symptoms like cold sweat, difficulty in breathing, dizziness, nausea, weakness and in some cases even unconsciousness can occur. Women may also have different symptoms like stomach pain, unusual fatigue and headache.
How to prevent this?
To avoid both the conditions of gas or heart attack, making small changes in lifestyle can be very beneficial. To avoid gas, do not eat too much at one go. Avoid beans, cola, spicy things. Eat on time, reduce stress and eat slowly. Apart from this, to avoid heart attack, do some exercise daily, quit smoking, keep weight under control, get blood pressure and cholesterol checked regularly, try to reduce stress, drink as much water as possible and get enough sleep.
If there is heavy pressure in the chest, pain radiating towards the arm or jaw, difficulty in breathing, sweating or feeling dizzy, then call an ambulance immediately and do not try to drive yourself to the hospital. Heart damage can be prevented by getting timely treatment. At the same time, gas pain usually does not require emergency treatment, but if the pain is continuous, very severe, there is also vomiting or fever, then it is necessary to consult a doctor.
Read also Chronic Heart Failure Symptoms: Why does the heartbeat stop at night while sleeping? Never ignore these silent symptoms
Disclaimer: This information is based on research studies and expert opinion. Do not consider this as a substitute for medical advice. Before adopting any new activity or exercise, please consult your doctor or relevant specialist.
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