Indigestion and arm pain: what to know

Indigestion describes upper-abdominal discomfort, early fullness, burning, belching, or nausea. Acid reflux, irritation of the stomach lining, an ulcer, or a hiatus hernia can cause these symptoms; explore [Indigestion](/symptoms/indigestion/) and [Acid Reflux](/conditions/acid-reflux/) for more detail.

Arm pain is not a typical feature of simple indigestion. Pain from the heart can be felt in an arm, shoulder, back, neck, or jaw and may be mistaken for stomach trouble. Digestive symptoms can also occur during a heart problem, so the two symptoms should be judged together rather than assuming one explains the other.

Stop strenuous activity and note when the pain began, where it travels, and whether food or movement changes it. If symptoms are mild and clearly familiar, choose smaller meals, avoid lying down soon after eating, and limit foods that repeatedly trigger burning or fullness.

Do not self-treat unexplained arm pain as reflux. A clinician can review medicines, examine you, and decide whether heart testing or digestive tests are appropriate. Treatment might involve [Acid Reflux Medication](/treatments/medical-management/acid-reflux-medication/) when reflux is confirmed.

Call emergency services now for arm pain with chest tightness or pressure, trouble breathing, cold sweating, sudden weakness, fainting, or pain spreading to the jaw or back. Seek prompt medical care for new, persistent, severe, or recurring pain, black stools, vomiting blood, or difficulty swallowing.

Ask: Could this be heart-related? Which symptoms should send me to emergency care? Could my medicines irritate my stomach? Do I need an ECG, blood tests, or evaluation for reflux, gastritis, or an ulcer?