“This is a great question and, obviously, a very important distinction to make given that one is a very common condition easily treated and the other one is potentially a sign of a serious medical condition. So, most importantly are going to be the characteristics of the pain that you’re having. With reflux disease — heartburn — typically people are going to feel a sense of burning that usually starts either in the stomach. Maybe you get a burning sensation in the back of your mouth. Oftentimes this comes with either a cough or a sour taste — frequently linked with food or symptoms that you get when you wake up in the morning when you have that sense of heartburn. Chest pain due to heart disease can sometimes be similar. But more classically, it’s a pressure-like pain, like an elephant sitting on your chest so much so that it stops you from doing what you’re doing. Frequently linked with exertion. So, if you’re getting pain when you’re climbing stairs, walking down the street, exercising: 1) you should always stop and rest and 2) it may be linked to your heart, so at that point, you definitely want to make an appointment to see your doctor. If you’re ever getting pain in your chest on exertion that’s not getting better with rest, then you definitely want to call 911 and get emergently seen by a physician. Now if you’re concerned and you’re having chest pain with exertion for instance, but it’s kind of burning, it’s maybe not pressure, you definitely want to talk to your doctor because sometimes these pains can overlap. If you’re someone who’s at high risk for heart disease — you have diabetes or high blood pressure or you’re smoker or even if you’re over the age of 50 — it’s probably worth talking to your doctor about that. If you need to see a doctor, clearly you can see myself or any of my colleagues at Mount Sinai Doctors Brooklyn Heights.”
David Coun, MD, is a board-certified primary care doctor and Chief of Internal Medicine at Mount Sinai Doctors Brooklyn Heights. He has lectured regularly on various topics, including smoking cessation, prostatic conditions, EKG review, and physician communication skills. Dr. Coun is fluent in Spanish and has a particular interest in prevention, as well as, the intersection between mental health and chronic medical conditions. Mount Sinai Doctors Brooklyn Heights is a two-floor practice with a walk-in urgent care center and more than 35 specialties. Located at 300 Cadman Plaza West, the practice is situated on the 17th and 18th floors.