Chronic acid reflux leads to uncomplicated GERD, but not everyone with GERD has
heartburn. The primary
symptoms of GERD are heartburn, regurgitation, and nausea.
Heartburn usually is described as a burning pain in the middle of the chest. It may start high in the abdomen or may extend up into the neck. Sometimes the pain may be sharp or pressure-like, rather than burning. Such pain can mimic heart pain (angina). In other patients, the pain may extend to the back.