The nicotine you inhale will increase the production of stomach acid and it will also weaken the LES or the lower esophageal sphincter. The LES acts as a valve which is primarily responsible for keeping stomach acid inside the stomach and prevent it from reaching your esophagus. You should also avoid drinking too much alcohol. This is because chocolate relaxes the LES or the Lower Esophageal Sphincter. The LES acts as a valve to keep stomach acid from pouring in to your esophagus. When it is relaxed, stomach acid can freely bypass the LES and reach your esophagus, which in turn causes heartburn. Fatty foods should also be avoided. Although the name suggests that it may be related to the heart, you have to remember that heartburn has nothing to do with the heart. This is in fact a digestive problem where the stomach acid comes in to contact with the lining of the esophagus, which causes irritation. A lot of people suffer from an occasional heartburn. Effective Ways to Prevent Heartburn during Pregnancy Heartburn is one of the oldest and also one of the most common conditions that affects millions of people every single day. Despite its name, heartburn is in no way related to the heart. In fact, this is a digestive condition where stomach acid comes in to contact with the esophagus causing irritation. Research has found that Hispanics and Caucasians suffer from heartburn more frequently than any other races, such as Asians and African Americans. Today, genetic research is still being conducted to discover why this is so. It is important to keep in mind that if you have chronic heartburn, you have to get it treated. Your doctor will prescribe medications to manage heartburn more effectively and make other recommendations that will help you control or manage heartburn and let you live a more normal life. You also have to keep in mind that chronic heartburn can sometimes lead to much more serious complications, which will require you to seek immediate medical attention.