Chest Pain or Gas? Early Heart Attack Signs You Should Not Ignore Wed , Apr 1

Chest pain can sometimes be caused by gas or indigestion, but pressure-like pain, pain spreading to the arm or jaw, breathlessness or sweating may be warning signs of a heart problem.

Because symptoms can overlap, unusual or persistent chest discomfort should not be ignored.

Medically reviewed by cardiac specialists at MGM Healthcare.

Gas discomfort may sometimes improve after burping, passing gas or antacids. Heart-related pain often does not. Symptoms during exertion or stress may deserve prompt medical evaluation.

Seek urgent care if chest discomfort comes with:

• Pressure or heaviness in the chest
• Pain spreading to the arm, neck or jaw
• Breathlessness
• Sweating
• Nausea or dizziness

These may be warning signs of a heart attack.

Yes. Women may sometimes have symptoms mistaken for gas, such as:

• Nausea
• Unusual fatigue
• Breathlessness
• Upper abdominal discomfort

Unusual symptoms should not be ignored.

Get medical help if:

• Pain is new or unexplained
• Symptoms keep returning
• Pain happens during activity
• It feels different from usual acidity
• You have heart risk factors such as diabetes or high blood pressure

When in doubt, it is safer to get evaluated.

Heart problems are not limited to older adults. Risk is increasing even among younger people due to stress, smoking and lifestyle factors. Read more about heart attacks in young adults.

Gas can cause chest discomfort, but some symptoms may signal a heart problem. If pain feels unusual or comes with warning signs, do not ignore it.
Early evaluation can make a critical difference.