This is why you feel a burning sensation in your chest and in your throat. This is also the reason why you taste something bitter right after the heartburn episode. So, should you be concerned if you experience heartburn? For starters, heartburn is a major symptom of gastroesophageal reflux disease. And, you need to remember that this can be misdiagnosed because the burning in the chest symptom of heartburn is also a symptom of ischemic heart disease, which is a much more serious illness. The test will measure the amount of acid reflux that occurs while you do your daily and regular activities for 24 hours. After the diagnosis, you will get treatment for your heartburn as well as for the complications heartburn had on your body, especially on your esophagus. These are the things that you have to remember if you experience chronic heartburn. Gastric acid reflux or heartburn occurs because of several reasons. By knowing about the different reasons that causes heartburn, you will be able to know how to prevent it from happening or at least take control of it. One of the main causes of heartburn is the weakening of the sphincter. Basically, the sphincter acts as a valve that prevents stomach acid from reaching the esophagus. As a chronic heartburn sufferer, you have to know about the contributing factors. One is called GERD or Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease. This is a common disease that is characterized by the stomach acid flowing backward in to the esophagus repeatedly. This will cause burning chest pain and it can also damage the esophagus, which can lead to bleeding and scarring. For starters, you need to know what causes heartburn in order for you to have an idea on how to manage it. Basically, heartburn is caused when stomach acid refluxes or backs up in to the esophagus. This can occur for several reasons. The first is that it may be because of a weakened lower esophageal sphincter or LES. Fried and fatty foods should also be avoided as this type of food is hard to digest, which will force your stomach to produce more stomach acid. You also need to drink plenty of water. However, avoid drinking plenty of water while you are eating. The excess fluids will result in increased acid reflux, which will lead to heartburn.