Does heartburn involve your heart?

Despite its name, heartburn (acid indigestion) is related to your oesophagus. Discover why it’s often confused with a heart attack.

Most people have experienced the discomfort of heartburn, whether regularly or occasionally. The condition is often described as a burning sensation in the chest or throat. Despite its name, heartburn has nothing to do with the heart; rather, it’s a symptom of acid reflux or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD,) says Dr Lesiba Mashitisho, a physician at Mediclinic Legae.

Heartburn occurs when stomach acid backs up into the oesophagus, the tube that carries food from your mouth to your stomach. Normally, a muscular valve at the lower end of the oesophagus, known as the lower oesophageal sphincter (LES), closes as soon as food passes through it. However, if the LES relaxes or weakens, acid can flow back, irritating the lining of the oesophagus and causing the symptoms of heartburn.

Causes of heartburn

Several factors can contribute to heartburn:

• Diet. Consuming large meals or certain foods, such as spicy dishes, citrus fruits, chocolate, caffeine, and fatty foods.
• Lifestyle. Smoking, alcohol consumption, and lying down soon after eating.
• Obesity. Being overweight puts pressure on your stomach, pushing more acid into the oesophagus.
• Pregnancy. Hormonal changes and the physical pressure of the growing foetus.
• Medications. Certain medicines, including aspirin, ibuprofen, and some blood pressure drugs.

Prevention of heartburn

To prevent heartburn, you need to adjust your diet and lifestyle, so you minimise the risk of acid reflux. Try to:

• Eat smaller, more frequent, healthy meals. Instead of three large meals, have smaller, more frequent meals to avoid overloading your stomach.
• Avoid trigger foods. Identify and avoid foods and drinks that trigger your heartburn.
• Maintain a healthy weight. Excess weight increases the pressure on your stomach.
• Quit smoking and limit alcohol consumption. Smoking and excessive alcohol intake can weaken the LES.
• Wait before lying down. Wait at least two to three hours after eating before lying down or going to bed. This allows time for your stomach to empty.

Treatment options for heartburn

• Over-the-counter medicines. Antacids neutralise stomach acid, H2 blockers reduce acid production, and proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) block acid production.
• Prescription medicines. For severe or persistent heartburn, your healthcare professional may prescribe stronger versions of H2 blockers and PPIs for relief.
• Lifestyle modifications. Alongside medication, the healthy lifestyle changes mentioned in this article are crucial in managing heartburn.
• Surgery. In rare cases, when heartburn is severe and doesn’t respond to other treatments, surgery such as fundoplication may be considered. During this procedure, the fundus (top part of your stomach) is folded and sewn around the LES, the muscular valve at the bottom of your oesophagus.

If you frequently experience heartburn, it’s important to consult with a healthcare professional to rule out GERD or other underlying conditions and to discuss the best treatment plan for you.

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