What Causes Heaviness In The Chest?

Posted on Sat, 31 Jan 2015

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Sat, 31 Jan 2015 Answered on

Tue, 3 Mar 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : Hi, I've been feeling a heavy feeling in the center of my chest recently. It's not painful, but feels weird. It seems to go away after taking an antacid pill. Is this a symptom of an impending heart attack?

Answered by Dr. Het Ram Bishnoi (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Chest pain and its causes

Detailed Answer:
Hello XXXX
You are feeling heaviness in the chest ( recently ) and relieved by antacid i.e. this clearly indicate that such type of heaviness feeling may be due to hyperacidity or acid reflux .
So avoid spicy , greasy foods .
It also might help to avoid eating or drinking for 2-3 hours before you lie down .To help control stomach acid ( chest heaviness feeling ) ,one should not drink alcohol or drinks with caffeine in them or eat chocolates or pizza or burger.
As you already taking antacid pill , so don't take any tension ,whenever feel such symptoms take antacid.
Tension , over eating and anxiety are other possibilities of such heaviness.
If you have any doubt then just get in one ECG to rule out any heart attack .
Heart attack usually related to high risky life style, tension , high lipids in blood , feeling of pain during exertion etc , so don't take any tension.
Hope I have answered your question . If any other question , you can ask in follow up.
Good luck.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Shanthi.E