First, heartburn is not a heart disease. It has nothing to do with the heart. It is a gastroesophageal disorder. It is only called "heartburn" because of the location of the primary symptom (a painful burning feeling in your chest or throat). Certain foods and drinks can increase your chances of symptoms.

Names include:
- Heartburn
- Acid indigestion
- Acid reflux
- Gastroesophageal reflux
- Pyrosis

It is important to have the cause evaluated and a treatment plan put in place. Acid reflux can, over time, cause serious and permanent damage to the linings of the esophagus. However, it is unlikely that emergency treatment is necessary.

Gallbladder Disease can sometimes be the cause of heartburn. You may want to check this out when other causes have been eliminated.

There are other possible causes for these symptoms. Check with your doctor.

Terry

I’d recommend you check back with a doctor soon, before you develope some serious problems (like, ulcer or in a worst case scenario, diabetes).

Check out: http://heartburn.about.com/ for more details.

@Pepe: If left untreated for too long, the stomach acid will cause inflammation in other parts of the digestion system. That’s what happened to me, I ignored the warning signals for nearly two years. My doctor (when I finally went) told me that a month or two later, I’d have had the risk of diabetes because of pancreatitis.

A burning feeling in the chest just behind the breastbone that occurs after eating and lasts a few minutes to several hours.

Chest pain, especially after bending over, lying down or eating.

Burning in the throat — or hot, sour, acidic or salty-tasting fluid at the back of the throat.

Difficulty swallowing.

Feeling of food "sticking" in the middle of the chest or throat.

Heartburn may cause chronic cough, sore throat, or chronic hoarseness.

POSSIBLE SIGNS OF HEARTBURN THAT COULD BE MISTAKEN FOR A HEART ATTACK INCLUDE:

A sharp, burning sensation just below the breastbone or ribs.
Pain generally does not radiate to the shoulders, neck, or arms, but it can.

Pain usually comes after meals, when lying on the back, when exercising or when experiencing anxiety.

Symptoms usually respond quickly to antacids.

Rarely accompanied by a cold sweat.

You should still see your physician to be examined and diagnosed. I suggest you see your physician first thing this week unless things become worse. If they become worse while your doctors office is closed, etc., be seen at the ER. It is always better to be on the safe side as no one here can diagnose you and you can’t be diagnosed without being examined by a physician. Best wishes to you.

Click this link if you would like further info:
http://www.webmd.com/heartburn-gerd/guide/heartburn-symptoms