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How to tell the difference between acid reflux and a heart attack?

Experts, pointing out that chest pain caused by acid reflux can be confused with a heart attack, emphasized that reflux is a condition that should not be neglected.

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Gastroesophageal reflux, or as it is commonly known among the public, reflux, occurs when stomach acid flows back into the esophagus, which is medically defined as the esophagus.
The backflow of stomach acid into the esophagus causes damage to the mucosa in the lower end of the esophagus, which in turn leads to a burning sensation behind the breastbone.

Gastroenterology Specialist Assoc. Prof. Dr. Bilal Toka, who pointed out that chest pain caused by reflux can be confused with a heart attack, explained that reflux is a disease that should not be neglected.

'IT CAN BE CONFUSED WITH A HEART ATTACK'

Toka stated, “In reflux, acid irritates the esophagus, and the pain sensation of the esophagus is transmitted to the brain from nerves in a slightly higher region. The most common symptoms of reflux, or the signs it creates in the patient, are a burning sensation behind the breastbone. This is called 'heartburn.' Because of this situation, reflux is often confused with a heart attack.
In some studies, it has been observed that a portion of those who apply to the hospital with complaints of chest pain show symptoms caused by reflux. This is because one of the most important symptoms of reflux is the burning sensation behind the breastbone,” he said.

'THE ROLE OF THE STRESS FACTOR IS SIGNIFICANT'

Stating that reflux has many symptoms that become chronic and persist for a long time, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Bilal Toka noted that hoarseness and coughing are also common findings of reflux. “Also, since stress is a disease of our age, we question the stress factor in every disease,” said Assoc. Prof. Dr. Bilal Toka, drawing attention to the effect of the stress factor on stomach problems in general.

Expressing that the role of the stress factor is significant, especially in stomach problems, Toka said, “Stress both increases acid secretion and the body goes into a kind of defense during stress. The hormones it secretes at that moment weaken the protective layer on the stomach. It causes the acid to cause more damage to the surrounding area. Therefore, as in many diseases, stress also causes the severity of reflux to increase,” he said.

'IT CAN LEAD TO ULCERS'

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Bilal Toka stated that reflux is a disease that puts more than 20 percent of people in a difficult situation and said, “It is mostly the escape of stomach contents such as acid, bile, and food backwards, that is, into the esophagus. In fact, the stomach surface has a feature. Since it is constantly exposed to acid, it has its own defense mechanisms, that is, protective factors, against the effect of acid.

Therefore, stomach acid does not normally harm the stomach. However, there is no such protective mechanism in the esophagus. Because it is not a place where acid is normally found. When a strong acid content, which is used to digest the food we eat, comes to the esophagus wall and stays in contact for a long time, it can lead to problems such as irritation, burns, and sometimes ulcers there,” he stated.

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