Characteristics of Heartburn to Heart Attack Complete with How to Overcome it

Illustration of rising stomach acid (photo: Pixabay/Naturalherbsclinic)

YOGYAKARTA - The most easily recognizable characteristics of heartburn that rises to the heart is the appearance of pain or pain like burning in the chest. This symptom is usually felt when a person experiences GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease) or stomach acid disease.

Gastric acid is a liquid in the stomach that is acidic (pH around 1-2). This fluid serves as a food breaker so that it is easier to digest and fight disease-causing bacteria.

Stomach acid actually can't go up to the heart, because there is no channel that connects the stomach to the heart directly. However, when a GERD attack occurs, the acidic stomach fluid will rise to the esophagus. This condition can cause pain in the chest and symptoms that arise are often considered similar to the symptoms of heart disease.

The Characteristics of Heartburn to Heartburn

In normal conditions, the acidic liquid in the stomach generally remains in the digestive tract. However, under certain conditions, the liquid can rise into the esophagus along with the food that is being digested. This condition occurs when the valve separating the stomach and esophagus does not close perfectly, allowing stomach acid to flow upwards.

The event of rising stomach acid into the esophagus is known as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or stomach acid disease. GERD can cause various complaints, such as a burning sensation in the chest (heartburn), heartburn, a hot or sore throat, sore throat, a sour taste in the mouth, nausea, and difficulty swallowing.

The feeling of pain in the chest due to stomach acid is often mistaken for a symptom of heart problems. Therefore, many people call it as stomach acid goes to the heart. In fact, stomach acid does not actually reach the heart, but only goes up to the esophagus, which is in a position close to the heart organ.

In addition, chest pain due to stomach acid and chest pain due to heart disease have quite a clear difference. Pain due to GERD generally feels in the chest area and is accompanied by other symptoms such as heartburn, frequent belching, nausea, and a bitter or sour feeling in the esophagus and mouth.

In contrast, chest pain due to heart disorders usually feels more intense, can spread to the neck or arms, and is often accompanied by cold sweat.

How to Overcome Acidity

The increase in stomach acid can indeed cause discomfort. However, there are several tips that can be done to prevent and relieve the complaint, including:

Avoiding foods and beverages that trigger GERD, such as spicy foods, fatty foods, caffeinated beverages, and alcoholic beverages. Regulate your diet with small portions but more often, and do not eat 2-3 hours before going to bed. Raise your head position or choose a sleeping position tilted to the left to reduce the risk of acid reflux. Stop the habit of smoking to reduce the symptoms of GERD. Wear loose clothes so as not to press the stomach area and the lower part of the esophagus. Chew gum to stimulate the production of saliva that helps neutralize stomach acid. Consume ginger-infused water, because ginger has anti-inflammatory properties that are beneficial for the stomach. Use GERD medications, such as antacids, according to the recommended dose on the packaging.

That's the explanation about the characteristics of stomach acid rising to the heart. Hopefully useful. Read VOI.id to get updates on other selected news.