When you’re done with a hearty and delicious meal, the last thing you expect is to start getting pangs of chest pain. Sometimes, it might even feel like your heart is on fire, causing you to clutch your chest from the intensity. But what does that mean? Is chest pain after eating something you should be worried about, or is it just acid reflux? To find out, keep on reading this blog.
Why Does My Chest Hurt After Eating?
As terrifying as it feels, multiple reasons can cause chest pain. It mainly depends on the type of pain you’re experiencing. For instance, does your chest suddenly feel tight? Or do you feel like blanching from the ache?
In most cases, the pain you experience after a meal is nothing but acid reflux. After eating foods that are spicy or high in grease, your gastrointestinal system might rebel. This causes the acids in your stomach to splash up the esophagus, making it seem like your chest is burning.
However, if the pain is accompanied by a burning sensation in your upper abdomen, it could be a potent version of acid reflux, known as GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease).
How to Know if Your Chest Pain is Heart-Related?
If your chest pain increases in intensity and lasts for longer than five minutes, then it might become a cause for concern. Not to mention, if other symptoms pop up along with the pain, like the ones mentioned below, it could mean you’re suffering from something much more severe.
- Tightness in Chest
- Jaw Pain
- Back and Shoulder Pain
- Nausea
- Stomachache
- Cold Sweats
- Difficulty Breathing
- Exhaustion
- Lightheadedness
These signs are common indicators of a heart attack. Nonetheless, at times, heartburn itself is a symptom of a heart attack. So it’s better to take the necessary precautions rather than brush them away. Reach out to a cardiologist or a healthcare professional to get yourself checked out in case of a serious underlying condition.
Can Eating Trigger Chest Pain?
Eating can trigger noncardiac chest pain, which, thankfully, isn’t fatal. However, it can still make it seem like your chest is on fire. In reality, the ache you feel is due to your stomach acids and the gastrointestinal system clashing.
Foods that are full of fat and spice are dangerous as is. Even carbonated drinks like sodas or sparkling water can upset your digestion, leading to heartburn.
How to Stop Chest Pain After Eating?
There are certain steps you can take to boost your cardiovascular health and prevent any pain from taking root after eating. For starters, you can try the following tips:
- Don’t lie down for 2 hours after eating
- Drink green tea to boost your digestive health
- Apply a cold compress when needed
- Sit up straight when swallowing, don’t bend over or slouch
- Visit a healthcare professional for an in-depth evaluation.
What’s The Takeaway?
To summarize, getting chest pain after eating is commonly a sign of heartburn. However, if the pain persists and lasts long, it could become a serious concern. In such a case, it’s best to consult a cardiologist immediately. Contact Octagos Health at (281) 769-8733 to start a healthier life today.