When television actor Dipika Kakkar recently revealed that her stomach pain turned out to be a liver cyst, it sparked an important health conversation. Many people in India often dismiss upper abdominal discomfort as acidity, especially after a heavy meal or stress.
A quick antacid and rest usually feels enough.
But doctors warn that not every stomach pain is harmless. In some cases, it could be due to a liver cyst. In more serious situations, it may even be a sign of a heart attack.
Dr. Ruchit Shah, Interventional Cardiologist at Saifee Hospital, Mumbai, explains that pain in the upper abdomen can be confusing because many vital organs are located close to each other.
What feels like a simple case of indigestion may need urgent medical attention. The most important message, he says, is clear: never ignore sudden upper abdominal pain, always rule out a heart attack first.
WHEN IS IT JUST ACIDITY, AND WHEN IS IT SOMETHING MORE?
Acidity usually causes a burning sensation in the chest or upper stomach. It often happens after eating spicy food, overeating, or lying down immediately after meals. The discomfort typically improves with antacids.
However, if the pain is linked to a liver cyst, there may be additional symptoms such as:
- Fever
- Restlessness
- Right-sided abdominal pain
- Dull, heavy aching on the right side of the abdomen
- History of passing worms
- Eating non-vegetarian food from an unreliable source
To differentiate between acidity and a liver problem, doctors recommend an ultrasonography (ultrasound) of the abdomen. In rare cases, a CT scan may be required.
If the pain improves with antacids, it is more likely to be acidity. But if it persists, further tests are important.
CAN STOMACH PAIN ACTUALLY BE A HEART ATTACK?
This is where things become serious.
Dr Shah says there are no specific symptoms that clearly separate cardiac pain from digestive pain. In fact, he stresses that any pain from the chin to the umbilicus (belly button), whether in the front or back, should be considered cardiac unless proven otherwise.
The reason is simple: cardiac pain can be fatal, while gastric pain is usually not.
If someone experiences sudden upper abdominal discomfort, especially if they are above 40 years of age, an ECG should be done immediately, ideally within the first five minutes of the onset of pain.
An ECG is the key test to rule out a major heart attack. If it shows ST-segment elevation, it indicates a major heart attack and requires emergency angioplasty.
WHY LIVER CYST PAIN FEELS LIKE INDIGESTION
The upper abdomen contains several closely placed structures: skin, muscles, bones, the lower part of the heart, lower lungs, upper stomach, pancreas, liver, and spleen.
Because these organs are so close to each other, pain from one organ can feel like it is coming from another.
A liver cyst can therefore cause discomfort that feels similar to acidity or indigestion. Without an ultrasound, it is not possible to clearly differentiate between simple gastritis and liver inflammation or cysts.
This overlap is why self-diagnosis can be risky.
WHAT TESTS SHOULD YOU GET FOR UPPER ABDOMINAL PAIN?
Doctors recommend:
- ECG — If the pain is sudden in onset, this should be done immediately to rule out a heart attack.
- Repeat ECG after 30–60 minutes if required.
- Ultrasonography of the abdomen — To check for liver cysts or inflammation.
- CT scan — In rare cases, if more detailed imaging is needed.
According to Dr Shah, an ECG is the only test required to rule out a major heart attack in emergencies.
WHEN SHOULD YOU RUSH TO THE HOSPITAL?
An immediate hospital visit is necessary if there is:
- Sudden onset of upper abdominal discomfort
- Pain not relieved within five minutes by regular antacids
- Any discomfort from the chin to the umbilicus
Even mild discomfort should not be ignored in people above 40 years of age.
While mild acidity can be treated with home remedies or over-the-counter medicines, pain that does not settle requires medical consultation.
CAN STRESS CAUSE SIMILAR PAIN?
Yes. Stress and anxiety are common triggers of gastritis and can also contribute to heart attacks. While stress is usually linked to gastric and cardiac issues, it is less commonly associated with liver swelling.
Importantly, lifestyle or dietary signs alone cannot help differentiate between acidity, liver problems, or cardiac conditions. Only proper medical tests can provide clarity.
Upper abdominal pain is often mistaken for gastric discomfort. But sometimes, it can be a warning sign of something more serious — such as a liver cyst or even a heart attack.
The golden rule, doctors say, is this: do not miss a heart attack.
If in doubt, get an ECG first. It is quick, simple, and can save a life.
