The esophagus is the tube that connects the mouth to the stomach. Heartburn is very common. About one-third of adults report occasional heartburn symptoms and 10 percent report daily symptoms. It is common during pregnancy.
Occasional attacks pose little threat, although the pain can be intense and alarming.
Heartburn sends some people to the emergency room thinking they are having a heart attack. Heartburn has nothing to do with the heart. A weakness in the valve between the esophagus and the stomach causes a reflux, or backing up, of strong stomach acids. This most often occurs 30 to 60 minutes after a meal or when the person lies down. Frequent reflux may damage the lining of the esophagus.