Heaviness and burning sensation in heart

Almost everyone has heartburn sometimes. If you have heartburn very often, you may have gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Normally when food or liquid enters your stomach, a band of muscle at the end of your esophagus closes off the esophagus. This band is called the lower esophageal sphincter (LES). If this band does not close tightly enough, food or stomach acid can back up (reflux) into the esophagus. The stomach contents can irritate the esophagus and cause heartburn and other symptoms.

First, avoid foods and drinks that can trigger reflux, such as: Alcohol Caffeine Carbonated drinks Chocolate Citrus fruits and juices Peppermint and spearmint Spicy or fatty foods, full-fat dairy products Tomatoes and tomato sauces Next, try changing your eating habits: Avoid bending over or exercising just after eating. Avoid eating within 3 to 4 hours of bedtime. Lying down with a full stomach causes the stomach contents to press harder against the lower esophageal sphincter (LES). Eat smaller meals. Make other lifestyle changes as needed: Avoid tight-fitting belts or clothes that are snug around the waist. These items can squeeze the stomach, and may force food to reflux. Lose weight if you are overweight. Obesity increases pressure in the stomach. This pressure can push the stomach contents into the esophagus. In some cases, GERD symptoms go away after an overweight person loses 10 to 15 pounds (4.5 to 6.75 kilograms). Sleep with your head raised about 6 inches (15 centimeters). Sleeping with the head higher than the stomach helps prevent digested food from backing up into the esophagus. Place books, bricks, or blocks under the legs at the head of your bed. You can also use a wedge-shaped pillow under your mattress. Sleeping on extra pillows does NOT work well for relieving heartburn because you can slip off the pillows during the night. Stop smoking. Chemicals in cigarette smoke weaken the LES. Reduce stress. Try yoga, tai chi, or meditation to help relax.