The post-holiday season happens to be the time for heartburn symptoms including acid reflux. The festive atmosphere makes people forget what they should and should not eat. The result is pretty much predictable -digestive and cardiac issues.
Heartburn Symptoms And Triggers
The burning sensation spreading through the chest is one precursor of heartburn. This condition is often associated with stomach acids making their way up to the esophagus. In addition to acid reflux, heartburn symptoms include nausea and vomiting.
Most people experience reflux in their life. Pregnant women are more prone to heartburn and some people were born with a compromised gut. The most common trigger is food. Spicy, oily, processed, and refined food products can cause bad acid reflux. Foods made from tomato or anything caffeinated could also cause heartburn.
When the holidays come around, eating healthy becomes a herculean feat. Plus, the festive season is also an excuse to get drunk and alcohol is another known trigger. All these things combined can lead to a post-holiday heartburn.
When Acid Reflux Becomes Alarming
When you experience acid reflux, the best thing to do is change your lifestyle. Avoiding trigger foods should be your top priority. Harper's Bazaar also lists stress as a common reflux trigger. However, there are cases where reflux is not just a digestive issue.
As reported in Sidney Daily News, a certified nurse practitioner discovered that her heartburn was more serious. Kathy Verhotz assumed that the symptoms were due to her poor eating habits and love of spicy food.
While undergoing a stress test, she experienced ventricular tachycardia. This condition leads to fast but regular heart beats. If left untreated, it can lead to ventricular fibrillation which is the main cause of cardiac arrest.
Verhotz immediately went through surgery where it was discovered that her coronary artery had a ninety-nine percent blockage. Although heartburn symptoms could indicate poor eating habits, it could also signal bigger problems.
