Heart pain or indigestion: what should you know?

Indigestion can cause burning or discomfort in the upper abdomen or behind the breastbone, often after eating. Acid reflux may bring a sour taste or fluid into the throat. Gastritis, a peptic ulcer, gallstones, a hiatus hernia, or Helicobacter pylori infection can also cause upper digestive discomfort. Indigestion is a common symptom of these conditions; it does not identify one cause by itself.

Heart-related pain may feel like pressure, squeezing, heaviness, or tightness. It can spread to the arm, shoulder, back, neck, or jaw and may occur with sweating, nausea, dizziness, or breathlessness. The sensations can overlap, so the timing, triggers, accompanying symptoms, and your health history matter.

Stop strenuous activity and sit upright while you assess how you feel. Notice whether the discomfort began after food, with exertion, or at rest, and record any spreading pain or associated symptoms. Avoid taking someone else’s medicine. A clinician can examine you and decide whether heart tests or digestive assessment are needed. For recurring, mild indigestion symptoms, discuss suitable acid reflux medication with a pharmacist or doctor.

Call emergency services immediately for chest pressure or pain that is severe, persistent, worsening, or accompanied by breathlessness, fainting, cold sweat, marked weakness, or pain spreading to the arm, back, neck, or jaw. Do not drive yourself if you feel seriously unwell. Arrange prompt medical review for new discomfort, repeated episodes, trouble swallowing, vomiting blood, black stools, or unexplained weight loss.

Could this pattern fit reflux or another digestive condition? Do I need an ECG or other heart checks? Which medicines, foods, or activities could be contributing? What symptoms should prompt emergency help?