Heartburn Myth: "Heartburn isn't a serious condition."

While heartburn is common, with nearly 60 million American adults suffering from heartburn at least once a month, it is certainly not something to be taken lightly. Chronic heartburn can have a serious impact on an individual's life. It can be a symptom of a more serious condition, gastroesophageal reflux disease or GERD. Also, if chronic heartburn isn't treated, it can lead to serious complications, including Barrett's esophagus, erosive esophagitis, esophageal strictures, and even esophageal cancer