Chest pain is one of the common complaints and can be experienced by anyone. Chest pain can even interfere with daily activities. The pain felt can vary, such as being pressed, stabbed, squeezed, or even a burning sensation. Chest pain is always associated with heart disease, although not all chest pain is caused by heart disorders.

In general, chest pain is divided into two groups:

1. Cardiac chest pain is chest pain caused by heart disease. The most commonly encountered chest pain is due to atherosclerosis (narrowing of the heart's blood vessels).
2. Non-Cardiac chest pain is chest pain not related to heart disease. This type of chest pain can be caused by esophageal disorders, with the most common being Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD).

Several ways to differentiate chest pain caused by heart disease from chest pain caused by GERD:

1. Location of Pain
   • GERD pain presents as a burning sensation in the chest or heartburn.
   • Heart disease pain in the chest feels like pressure, squeezing, or heaviness, and the pain may radiate to the arms, neck, jaw, or back.
2. Accompanying Symptoms
   • Symptoms accompanying GERD include bloating, frequent belching, nausea, vomiting, and a bitter taste in the mouth.
   • Symptoms accompanying heart disease include shortness of breath, cold sweats, palpitations, and dizziness.
3. Time of Onset
   • GERD chest pain usually occurs shortly after consuming certain foods or while eating, and it can also occur during emotional stress.
4. Medical History
   • Chest pain due to heart disease is usually accompanied by a history of hypertension, diabetes mellitus, or obesity.
   • GERD is usually accompanied by a history of digestive system disorders.

Chest pain caused by heart disease requires prompt medical treatment, so if chest pain suspected to be heart-related is found, it is necessary to go to the hospital immediately.

Note: To accurately differentiate between the two types of chest pain, please consult a doctor for further examination.

Author: Dr. Dian Rahma Dewi (Medical Service Doctor, Surabaya Adityawarman Branch)