Usually, we experience it right after a meal. However, you have to remember that there is such a thing as a chronic heartburn and this may have a negative effect on your life. So, how can you tell if you are already suffering from a chronic heartburn? Well, if you experience heartburn once a month, this is considered to be acute or mild. The sensation may also spread up in to the throat, jaw, and even on the back. Because of the location where pain is felt, heartburn is often mistaken for chest pain caused by heart attack. However, you need to remember that you should never try and second guess yourself when you feel chest pain for any reason. In fact, millions of people all over the world suffer from this kind of condition and it is also a condition that existed for centuries or most probably since man first walked the earth. First of all, you need to remember that heartburn is in no way related to the heart. As a matter of fact, heartburn is a digestive condition where stomach acid comes in contact with the esophagus. You have to keep in mind that over the counter medicines can work for mild cases of heartburn but if you are suffering from a severe case of heartburn, then you may want to try consulting your doctor as this may already be a sign of a more serious illness. You will also find that there are plenty of natural heartburn home remedies. You also need to keep in mind that lifestyle changes are important in order to treat heartburn permanently. This will involve losing weight, avoiding foods that cause heartburn, avoiding cigarette smoking, drinking of alcohol, and it will also involve eating smaller meals instead of 3 large meals a day. Most people treat heartburn symptoms through lifestyle modification and the use of antacids. But, for some people, this doesn t work. If you still suffer from heartburn symptoms despite making lifestyle changes and using antacids, it may be a sign that you are suffering from a more serious condition where heartburn is only a symptom.