The burning sensation you experience when acid builds up in your esophagus and rises to the back of your throat is heartburn. But many people may have so much pain that they do indeed feel like they are having burning chest pains associated with their heart. Do you know the different warning signs for heartburn and heart attack?

In fact, as many as 60 million Americans suffer from heartburn at least once a month, and 25 million suffer from it on a daily basis. The vast majority of these people can find relief with natural supplements and by making adjustments to when and what they eat. But for some, the burning pain is actually a symptom pointing to a more serious problem.  

Heartburn is a burning sensation that’s usually located in the chest. A lot of patients will say they feel it behind the breastbone. Some people call it a discomfort and don’t even call it a pain, but rather a sensation or an uncomfortable feeling.

Heartburn pain usually has a distinction from angina. A person having a heart attack would say that he “feels a squeezing sensation,” and will often clench his fist over his chest. Another good clue that a person is suffering from heartburn and not a heart attack is if it occurs after meals. People sometimes get heartburn if they eat a fatty or spicy meal, for example.

If you have heartburn and you’ve also thrown up blood, or if you notice that your stools have become black, that’s a sign of bleeding in the stomach where acid mixes with blood to turn it black. If it hurts when you swallow or if you have a fever in association with any of these symptoms, you should be evaluated by a physician. If you’re suffering from frequent heartburn, get yourself evaluated.

Other helpful suggestions include dietary changes, exercise, weight loss and maintaining pH balance. Supplements containing alkalinizing minerals can help keep your pH levels in balance for improved overall health.