What exactly is GERD?

GERD stands for Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease. It occurs when stomach acid frequently flows back into the esophagus, irritating its lining and causing symptoms like heartburn, regurgitation, and chest discomfort.

How is GERD different from occasional heartburn?

Heartburn is a symptom. GERD is a chronic, long-term condition where acid reflux occurs more than twice a week. If untreated, GERD can lead to complications like esophageal ulcers or narrowing.

Is GERD dangerous if left untreated?

Yes. Long-term GERD can lead to esophagitis, Barretts esophagus (a precancerous condition), bleeding ulcers, or strictures that cause swallowing problems.

What foods trigger GERD symptoms?

Spicy foods, citrus fruits, tomatoes, chocolate, caffeine, carbonated drinks, fried or fatty foods, alcohol, smoking

Heart Attack Fears Ruled Out: ‘Panchayat’ Fame Aasif Khan Confirms Real Reason Behind His Hospitalisation

By Riny John

Saturday, July 19, 2025, 14:51

Actor Aasif Khan, known for his role as 'Damaji' in 'Panchayat', recently sparked concern after being hospitalised with chest pain. Initial speculation suggested a heart attack, but the actor later clarified: it wasn't cardiac arrest but gastroesophageal reflux.

This condition, though far less dangerous, can mimic heart attack symptoms with alarming accuracy. In a post from the hospital dated 17 July 2025, Aasif reassured fans that he was doing well, sharing a photo of himself reading a book. He thanked everyone for their support and revealed he's been off his phone, calling the digital detox "refreshing."

Doctors have advised him to adjust his diet, cutting back on heavy meals like dal-bati and limiting non-vegetarian food while increasing physical activity. His experience reminds us that not all chest pain is what it seems.

Photo Credit: https://www.instagram.com/aasifkhan_1

When It Feels Like A Heart Attack But Isn't

Chest pain is often treated as a medical red flag-and for good reason. But while it's critical to take it seriously, it's also true that not all chest pain signals a heart attack. Conditions like gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) can produce similar sensations, causing unnecessary panic.

GERD occurs when stomach acid travels up into the esophagus, triggering a burning feeling just behind the breastbone-commonly known as heartburn. The discomfort often feels sharp, surface-level, and doesn't spread beyond the chest.

Key Differences: Heart Attack vs GERD

Heart-related chest pain usually feels like pressure, heaviness, squeezing, or tightening. It might radiate to the arms, jaw, back, or neck and worsen with physical activity or stress. Breathing deeply may intensify it, and it's often accompanied by:

Shortness of breath
Irregular heartbeat
Cold sweat
Dizziness or nausea
Tingling in arms or jaw

GERD-related pain, in contrast, feels like a burning or sharp sensation, mostly after eating or lying down. It stays confined to the chest area and is typically accompanied by:

A sour taste in the mouth
Bloating and belching
Bad breath
Difficulty swallowing

Photo Credit: https://www.instagram.com/aasifkhan_1

Other Conditions That Cause Chest Pain

Chest pain has many potential sources-some more serious than others.
Panic attacks can trigger a racing heartbeat, breathlessness, and chest tightness.
Costochondritis involves inflammation around the rib cage cartilage and can mimic heart attack symptoms.
Esophageal spasms are painful contractions that may feel like heart pain.
Peptic ulcers can create a burning sensation in the chest and upper abdomen.
Pneumonia may cause sharp chest pain along with fever, cough, and shortness of breath.
Cardiac conditions like angina, myocarditis, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, and pulmonary hypertension are more serious and require prompt medical evaluation.

Why Symptom Awareness Matters

Aasif Khan's story is a case in point: the symptoms were real, the pain was intense, and the initial fear was justified. Thankfully, it wasn't a cardiac event-but it easily could have been.

Recognising how different conditions present can help individuals seek the right care at the right time. But no matter the cause, chest pain should never be ignored.

As Aasif shared from his hospital bed: "Life is short; don't take any day lightly. Everything can change in a moment." It's a message that resonates far beyond celebrity circles.

Know The Signs, But Don't Self-Diagnose

Whether it's heartburn or a heart attack, the takeaway is clear-listen to your body, and act quickly. While understanding the signs is important, only a medical professional can confirm the diagnosis.

Photo Credit: https://www.instagram.com/aasifkhan_1

Aasif's experience underscores both the unpredictability of health and the importance of prioritising it. Sometimes, stepping away from daily chaos-and dal-bati-is exactly what the doctor ordered.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.