Medical Author: Charles Patrick Davis, MD, PhD
Medically Reviewed on 6/1/2022
Doctor's Notes on Can a Hiatal Hernia Feel Like a Heart Attack?
A heart attack occurs when one or more blood vessels in the heart are partially or completely blocked. A hiatal hernia is a gastrointestinal tract condition where part of the stomach pushes up through the diaphragm into the chest cavity. Signs and symptoms similar to both conditions may be chest pain that can radiate to the arm, back, and neck. Differences in signs and symptoms between the two conditions may help determine which problem is occurring in the patient; for example, hiatal hernia symptoms and signs that are different from a heart attack include
- severe heartburn,
- indigestion,
- difficulty swallowing,
- coughing,
- belching,
- hiccups,
- upper abdominal pain, and
- acid reflux.
Signs and symptoms of a heart attack that are different from hiatal hernias include shortness of breath, profuse sweating, and nausea; some people may experience pain in the shoulders and/or arms. Women with heart attacks may also experience signs and symptoms such as extreme weakness and/or fatigue.
If you are unsure if you are having a hiatal hernia problem versus a heart attack, call 911 as a heart attack is a medical emergency while a hiatal hernia is not.
The cause of heart attacks is partial or complete blockage of one or more blood vessels in the heart (usually by a blood clot) that results inadequate blood and/or oxygen delivery to the heart muscle that becomes damaged and then may die. There are suspected causes for hiatal hernias; obesity, frequent coughing, straining with constipation, poor posture, bending and/or heavy lifting, hereditary, smoking, and/or congenital defects.
What Are the Treatments for Heart Attacks vs. Hiatal Hernias?
The goal in treatment of heart attacks is to restore blood flow to the heart while hiatal hernia treatment goal is to reduce acid production and to halt reflux into the esophagus so it can heal. Medications and surgery procedures are different:
-
Medications for hiatal hernia
- Antacids
- H2-receptor blockers
- Protein pump inhibitors
-
Medications for heart attacks
- Aspirin
- Thrombolytics
- Antiplatelet agents
- Blood thinners
- Pain relief like morphine
- Beta blockers
- Blood pressure control and/or cholesterol control drugs
Surgery differs, too; for example, heart attacks may be treated by the following:
- Angioplasty and stenting
- Coronary artery bypass surgery
In contrast to heart attacks, hiatal hernia surgery may include the following:
- Pulling the stomach down into the abdomen
- Esophageal sphincter reconstruction
- Sleeve gastrectomy
Your doctors can help you to determine which treatment plan is best for you.
Heart Disease : Test Your Medical IQ Quiz
QuestionIn the U.S., 1 in every 4 deaths is caused by heart disease.
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Chest Pain
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Heartburn
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Hiatal Hernia
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Hiccups
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Obesity
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Palpitations
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What Are the Signs of An Impending Heart Attack?
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What Does a Hiatal Hernia Attack Feel Like?
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What Does a Mini Heart Attack Feel Like?
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What Does It Feel Like When You Have a Blood Clot in Your Leg (DVT)?
I travel a lot by airplane and I sit at a desk for my job. I have some cardiovascular problems, so I worry about blood clots forming in my legs. I want to be vigilant about potential symptoms of deep vein thrombosis. What does DVT feel like?
REFERENCE:
Kasper, D.L., et al., eds. Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine, 19th Ed. United States: McGraw-Hill Education, 2015.