Chest Pain: Is It a Heart Attack or Just "Gas"?

By Dr. Karan R. Rawat Gastroenterologist, Liver Specialist, Laser & Laparoscopic Surgeon

In my OPD recently, I have noticed a significant surge in patients coming in with high anxiety. They arrive clutching their chests, worried they are having a heart attack. After a thorough evaluation, many are relieved to find that their heart is perfectly fine—the culprit is actually severe Gastritis, GERD (Acid Reflux), or Bloating.

While it is always better to be safe than sorry, living in constant fear of a heart attack when you are actually suffering from a treatable gastrointestinal issue affects your quality of life.

As a Gastroenterologist and Laparoscopic Surgeon, I want to help you understand why this confusion happens, how to spot the difference, and when you need to knock on my door.

Why the Confusion? The "Gut-Heart" Connection

The reason gas pain often mimics a heart attack is simple anatomy. The nerves that supply the stomach and the heart travel very similar paths (specifically the Vagus nerve). When your stomach is distended with gas or acid splashes up into your esophagus (food pipe), the pain signals can confuse the brain, making it feel like the pain is coming from the heart.

This phenomenon is often called "Non-Cardiac Chest Pain."

Heart Attack vs. Severe Acidity: How to Tell the Difference

Disclaimer: If you are ever in doubt, go to the ER immediately. It is better to treat acidity in an emergency room than to ignore a heart attack at home.

However, here are distinct signs that usually point toward a Gastrointestinal issue rather than a heart issue:

1. Timing in Relation to Food

  • Gastro: Does the pain start shortly after a heavy, spicy, or oily meal? Does it get worse when you lie down flat? This is a classic sign of GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease).

  • Heart: Cardiac pain is often triggered by physical exertion (walking, climbing stairs) or emotional stress, rather than just eating.

2. Type of Pain

  • Gastro: Patients often describe a "burning" sensation (heartburn) behind the breastbone or a sharp, stabbing pain that moves around. You might also feel bloated or have a sour taste in your mouth.

  • Heart: A heart attack often feels like immense "pressure," "squeezing," or an "elephant sitting on the chest."

3. Relieving Factors

  • Gastro: If the pain improves after you burp, pass gas, or take an antacid, it is likely related to your stomach.

  • Heart: Cardiac pain usually does not go away with burping or antacids.

The "Red Flags": When to Consult Dr. Karan Rawat

If you have ruled out heart issues with a cardiologist but continue to have chest discomfort, you should not suffer in silence. Chronic acidity and gas can lead to long-term damage like Esophagitis or Barrett’s Esophagus.

Book a consultation if you experience:

  • Chronic heartburn (more than twice a week).

  • Difficulty swallowing food.

  • Persistent bloating or feeling full immediately after starting to eat.

  • Unexplained weight loss.

  • Black or tarry stools.

Why Choose a Specialist?

Treating "gas" isn't just about taking a pill from the chemist. As a Liver and Gastrointestinal Specialist, I look for the root cause. Is it a bacterial infection (H. Pylori)? Is it a sluggish liver? Or is it a structural issue like a Hiatus Hernia that requires a simple Laparoscopic fix?

Don't let the fear of a heart attack rule your life. If your heart is healthy, let’s get your stomach healthy too.

Need a Consultation?

Dr. Karan R. Rawat is a leading Gastroenterologist, Liver Specialist, and Laser & Laparoscopic Surgeon helping patients in [Agra/Your City] lead pain-free lives.