How to tell the difference...

HisBetterHalf

between chest pains and heartburn?  I've been having mild "pains" in my chest but I don't know how to tell if its a real chest pain or if its just heartburn or something like that.  It happens at all different times of the day and seemingly for no apparent reason.  Any advice?

hopefulmom

I would suppose you could base it on other factors like health history, weight, family history, age (to a point), etc, but not always. The only real way you can find out is to go to an urgent care (or ER) and have an EKG.  I have read that women have much different symptoms than men.

I have a friend (34 yrs old) who thought she was having indigestion.  Even after drinking some coffee and sitting down to relax (she is a Type A) it wasn't going away.  Finally she called 911. EMT thought maybe she was having a panic attack but when they did the EKG she was having a heart attack!  She is now on heart medication, a special diet,  and had to go to cardiac rehab.  BTW...she was thin and active with 3 kids!  Don't take it lightly...especially if it doesn't go away in a short time.