Causes of Chest Pain

Apart from the causes of chest pain accounted for by coronary artery disease such as angina and a heart attack, there are other causes of chest pain. These causes of chest pain are not as lethal but the chest pain are similar to those caused by coronary artery disease.

Third causes of chest pain - indigestion or heartburn

Indigestions or heartburns are common causes of chest pain. The esophagus or food pipe which leads from the mouth to the stomach lies just behind the heart and has the same nerve supply making the chest pain caused by indigestion or heartburn feel like one from the heart.

When does a heartburn occur?

Heartburn can occur any time but a heartburn is usually related to eating. Heartburn may start half an hour or so after meals or when the stomach is empty.

Why do I get indigestion at night when I lie down?

Many people have indigestion at night when they lie flat. This is because some of the acid from the stomach spills back into the esophagus and irritates it.

How do I get rid of the indigestion at night?

Usually the indigestion at night can be cured by eating more food, drinking milk or taking antacids. All of these will east heartburn. Do not do the followings, they make heartburn worse:

• drink hot fluids
• drink caffeinated beverages
• take aspirin or nonsteroidal anti inflammatory drugs
• drink alcohol

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