Medical experts warn of misidentifying heart attack symptoms

Medical experts are warning that chest discomfort is frequently misidentified, which can lead to delayed treatment for serious cardiac conditions.

Dr. Decsa Medika Hertanto notes that the location and character of pain provide vital clues. Pain felt in the center of the chest, described as a sensation of being crushed or squeezed, is a classic sign of a heart attack, especially if it radiates to the left arm, jaw, or back.

Furthermore, Dr. Kiran Deepak highlights that symptoms of coronary artery disease can often be mistaken for digestive issues like GERD or acid reflux, particularly when discomfort occurs after eating. This confusion arises because pain from different organs can overlap in the same bodily areas. Angina, caused by insufficient oxygenated blood to the heart muscle, can manifest as pressure, heaviness, or a burning sensation similar to upper abdominal gastric pain.