Heart Attack or Gastritis? Why It’s Important to Know the Difference and Take Action

By Dr. Priya Sammani

Today, a 25-year-old young man came to my clinic, convinced he was suffering from gastritis. He described the familiar symptoms: a burning sensation in his upper abdomen, discomfort after eating, and some acid reflux. Like many people, he thought it was just a bad case of gastritis, so he had been treating it at home with antacids and some dietary changes. But as I sat with him and listened to his story, something didn’t feel right.

I asked him to do something simple: bring me an ECG (Electrocardiogram). Why? Because sometimes, what we think is gastritis could actually be something far more dangerous—like a heart attack. I’ve seen it before: patients ignore heart symptoms thinking it’s just acid reflux or gastritis, and they put themselves in a life-threatening situation without even realizing it.

In this article, I want to explain why it’s so important to know the difference between a heart attack and gastritis, what symptoms to watch out for, and what you should do if you ever feel something similar.

The Overlap: Why Heart Attack Symptoms Can Feel Like Gastritis

The truth is, gastritis and heart attacks can have overlapping symptoms, making it difficult to differentiate between the two. Many people, especially younger individuals, tend to dismiss chest discomfort as indigestion or heartburn. After all, why would a healthy 25-year-old think they’re having a heart attack?

Gastritis is an inflammation of the stomach lining, and it typically presents with symptoms like:

  • Burning sensation or discomfort in the upper abdomen (often after eating)
  • Bloating or feeling full after meals
  • Acid reflux or heartburn
  • Burping and regurgitation of food or sour liquid
  • In more severe cases, vomiting, sometimes with blood, or black, tarry stools (indicating bleeding in the stomach)

However, a heart attack can sometimes present with symptoms that are mistaken for gastritis, such as:

  • Chest pain or discomfort, often described as tightness, pressure, or burning
  • Pain that radiates to the shoulders, neck, or jaw
  • Shortness of breath
  • Sweating, nausea, or lightheadedness
  • In some cases, indigestion-like pain or even a feeling similar to heartburn

It’s easy to see how the symptoms can blur together. This young man didn’t think much of his symptoms—he didn’t have sharp chest pain, so he assumed his discomfort was nothing more than gastritis. But what we don’t often realize is that heart attacks can present differently in each person, and not all heart attacks come with the “classic” chest pain you see in movies.

When to Be Concerned: Red Flags to Watch For

So, how can you tell the difference between a heart attack and gastritis?

Here are some red flags that may indicate you’re dealing with a heart attack and not just gastritis:

  1. Pain spreading beyond the stomach: If you feel discomfort or pain that radiates to your chest, back, shoulders, neck, or jaw, this could be a sign of a heart attack.
  2. Shortness of breath: Difficulty breathing or feeling like you can’t get enough air is often associated with heart problems, not gastritis.
  3. Sweating or clamminess: If you break out into a cold sweat without obvious reasons (like exercise or heat), take this seriously—it could be your heart.
  4. Sudden dizziness or lightheadedness: Feeling faint, dizzy, or weak can be a sign that your heart isn’t pumping blood efficiently.
  5. No relief with antacids: If antacids or acid-reducing medications don’t seem to relieve the discomfort, this could be a sign that your symptoms are heart-related.
  6. Fatigue or sudden weakness: Feeling unusually tired, especially with other symptoms, is another warning sign, particularly in women, where heart attack symptoms can be more subtle.

In the case of my patient, these symptoms were subtle enough that he brushed them off as gastritis, but enough of them were present that I felt an ECG was necessary to rule out heart issues.

What to Do If You’re Unsure

If you experience symptoms that you think might be gastritis but have even the slightest doubt it could be something more serious like a heart attack, it’s crucial to act quickly. Here’s what you should do:

  1. Get Medical Help Immediately: Don’t wait. If you feel chest pain, discomfort, or any of the symptoms listed above, go to the nearest hospital or clinic. It’s better to be safe than sorry.
  2. Request an ECG: An ECG is a quick, non-invasive test that can provide vital information about your heart’s electrical activity and help determine if you’re having a heart attack. My patient’s ECG revealed some concerning changes that wouldn’t have been picked up if we had assumed it was just gastritis.
  3. Don’t self-diagnose: If your symptoms persist despite taking antacids or home remedies, seek professional advice. Never assume it’s just indigestion, especially if you’ve never had these symptoms before.
  4. Trust your instincts: If something feels off or if you’ve never experienced symptoms like this before, listen to your body and get checked out. It’s always better to be overly cautious when it comes to heart health.

Why It’s Important to Know the Difference

Many of us, especially younger individuals, tend to brush off symptoms or try to treat them at home. But heart attacks don’t just happen to older people. Heart disease can affect anyone, regardless of age, and waiting too long to seek help can have life-threatening consequences.

The good news is that catching heart problems early can prevent complications and improve your chances of a full recovery. My patient’s story ended well because he sought help in time, and we were able to address his heart issues before it was too late. But if he had continued thinking it was just gastritis and stayed at home, the outcome could have been much worse.

Conclusion: Don’t Ignore the Warning Signs

It’s easy to mistake heart attack symptoms for gastritis, but knowing the difference can save your life. If you ever experience symptoms like chest discomfort, shortness of breath, or pain that radiates beyond your stomach, don’t hesitate to seek medical help. Ask for an ECG, and don’t dismiss your symptoms until you’ve ruled out heart problems.

You don’t have to be old to have a heart attack, and it’s better to be cautious than to take a chance on your health. If you or anyone you know is dealing with similar symptoms, share this information with them. It might just save a life.