That burning feeling in your chest might be doing more than ruining your sleep — it could be warning you about your heart. A new study has revealed that people with chronic acid reflux, or GERD, face nearly a 30% higher risk of heart attack.

Researchers in Philadelphia examined data from over 1.3 million patients and found a striking link between long-term reflux and heart disease. “It’s not just heartburn — it’s a sign your body is under stress,” said lead researcher Dr. Tinsae Anebo. Scientists believe the ongoing inflammation caused by acid reflux may damage blood vessels and strain the heart over time.

More than one in five Britons will experience GERD, and about 1.5 million rely on daily medication. Left untreated, it can harm the throat and lungs — and now, possibly, the heart itself. Experts urge patients to take reflux seriously, avoid trigger foods, and seek treatment early.

As Dr. Anebo warns, “Simple changes — eating smaller meals, losing weight, managing stress — could protect more than just your stomach.”

It’s a powerful reminder: sometimes the quiet signals from our body are the ones that save our life.