Heartburn is that awful burning sensation in your chest or throat, usually when acid rises up from your stomach. Heartburn is always an annoyance. But if you’re like many people with heartburn, you also probably find yourself worrying from time to time. Could it be something more serious? Is there something wrong with your digestive system? Or maybe you think it’s your heart.
Heartburn, also called acid indigestion, is a symptom of gastroesophageal reflux (GERD). It can occur when acid or other contents from your stomach “back up” into the esophagus. That’s the tube food passes through going from your mouth to your stomach.
The problem stems from a muscle that may be weak or may relax at inappropriate times. It’s called the lower esophageal sphincter or LES, and it’s located between your stomach and your esophagus. If it doesn’t close quickly enough, it can’t prevent the acid backwash. That results in heartburn.