Don’t Dismiss Chest Pain as Indigestion: Experts Urge Prioritizing Heart Health
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Ignoring chest discomfort and attributing it solely to gastric issues can have fatal consequences, cardiologists warn.
Many individuals instinctively associate left or mid-chest pain with common digestive problems like acid reflux or GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease). However, this assumption can be dangerously misleading, possibly delaying critical medical intervention for underlying heart conditions.
According to a leading heart and blood vessel specialist, Dr. sebastian Andy, arrhythmia subspecialist from Primaya Hospital, this tendency to self-diagnose is particularly prevalent in Indonesian society.”Patients often present with chest pain and initially consult a gastroenterologist, even when the root cause may not reside in the stomach,” he explained at the Primaya Fair 2025 event in Kelapa Gading, North Jakarta, on Wednesday, October 15, 2025.
The Perilous Habit of assuming Gastric pain
“The first thought is almost always stomach pain,” Dr. Sebastian stated. “While GERD can certainly cause discomfort – reflux, stomach acid rising and creating a burning sensation – not all chest pain originates from the digestive system.” He emphasized that instantly attributing chest pain to gastric issues can be a life-threatening mistake.
While gastric disease causes discomfort, it is not directly life-threatening. In contrast, heart disease, if left unaddressed, can quickly become fatal. “Stomach pain doesn’t lead to death,” Dr. Sebastian clarified. “The danger lies in automatically assuming chest pain is stomach-related, without considering the possibility of a heart problem.”
Prioritize Cardiac Evaluation: Employ “Fatal Logic”
Dr. Sebastian strongly recommends prioritizing a cardiac evaluation before pursuing treatment for stomach complaints.A simple electrocardiogram (EKG) can provide initial insights, followed by a treadmill test if necessary.”If the heart record doesn’t yield a diagnosis, a treadmill test can definitely help us observe how the heart responds to exertion and identify any changes,” he explained.
He advocates for a strategy of “fatal logic” when assessing chest pain. This means prioritizing the investigation of potentially life-threatening causes first. “We must consider the most risky possibilities first,” he urged. “Until we’ve definitively ruled out a heart issue, we should focus on the heart. Treating heart disease with stomach medication is ineffective; a truckload of antacids won’t address a cardiac problem.”
Once a heart examination confirms normal function, patients can then focus on addressing any underlying stomach issues, potentially with the guidance of an internal medicine doctor or digestive specialist.
Risk Factors Demand Vigilance
Individuals over the age of 50, particularly those with pre-existing conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, or obesity, should be especially vigilant about chest pain. “In this demographic, heart disease should be the primary consideration, followed by stomach issues,” Dr. Sebastian stressed.”While stomach problems are serious, they are generally not immediately fatal. Heart disease, however, can progress rapidly and unexpectedly.”
Listen to Your Body: Recognizing Warning Signs
Dr. Sebastian underscored the importance of paying attention to bodily signals. Chest pain that radiates to the shoulder blades can be an early indicator of a heart attack.He advised immediate medical attention if chest pain recurs or is accompanied by symptoms such as shortness of breath, cold sweats, or dizziness.
“We must prioritize the heart first, then investigate other potential causes,” he concluded.”Ignoring potential heart disease can have devastating consequences.”
