In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Dr Sunil Kumar Mandal, MBBS, MD (General Medicine), DM (Cardiology), senior consultant interventional cardiologist and head of cardiology, revealed signs and symptoms you shouldn’t ignore. Chest discomfort is commonly blamed on acidity, gas or indigestion. Heart-related symptoms can overlap with acidity , and in a cardiac emergency, recognising the warning signs and seeking timely medical care can be lifesaving.
assuming that every episode of chest discomfort is “just gas” can sometimes be dangerous While digestive problems are frequent.
Chest pain that radiates to the left or both arms, upper back between the shoulder blades, neck or jaw should raise suspicion. “Unfortunately, there is no foolproof home test. But these features cannot reliably exclude a heart problem. A common mistake is assuming that improvement after an antacid proves the discomfort was gastric. Symptoms can fluctuate even during a cardiac event, so temporary relief should not provide false reassurance when warning signs or cardiovascular risk factors are present. If chest discomfort is new onset, severe, persistent, recurrent, associated with exertion, or accompanied by sweating, breathlessness, faintness or pain radiating elsewhere, seek emergency medical care rather than waiting for it to settle at home.
“ Chest pain is more concerning when it feels like pressure, squeezing, heaviness or tightness, particularly if it lasts more than a few minutes, keeps returning, or occurs with certain physical activity or emotional stress,” highlighted Dr Sunil. Acid reflux more commonly causes a burning sensation after meals or while lying down and may be accompanied by sour taste or regurgitation,” said Dr Sunil.
