Heartburn feels like a burning pain or sensation in the chest, typically just behind the breastbone. This burning often occurs after eating and can worsen when lying down or bending over. The sensation may also radiate up into the throat, sometimes accompanied by a bitter or acidic taste in the mouth. Other symptoms can include a sour taste, feeling like food is stuck in the chest or throat, and irritation or hoarseness in the throat due to acid reflux

. The burning sensation can range from mild discomfort to a sharp, intense pain. It usually lasts from a few minutes to a few hours and is caused by stomach acid rising into the esophagus when the lower esophageal sphincter relaxes or weakens

. Heartburn is often worse in the evening or at night, especially after heavy or fatty meals, and when lying flat or bending over, which allows acid to flow more easily into the esophagus

. If the chest pain feels more like pressure, tightness, or squeezing and radiates to the neck, jaw, or arms, or is accompanied by symptoms like shortness of breath, nausea, or sweating, it could be a heart attack, which requires immediate medical attention. Heartburn is a burning sensation, whereas heart attack pain is more of a pressure or squeezing feeling

. In summary, heartburn feels like a burning pain in the chest and throat, often linked to acid reflux, and is distinct from the pressure or tightness associated with heart attacks