Heartburn and common digestive issues like indigestion, bloating, and nausea can mask the symptoms of a stomach ulcer, a condition often underestimated due to overlapping complaints. While heartburn is frequently dismissed as acidity, it can signal a more serious gastrointestinal problem. Stomach ulcers, or gastric ulcers, cause focal pain and discomfort. Some ulcers progress silently, making early detection challenging, as illustrated by a businessman who initially attributed his symptoms, including heartburn and back pain, to a previous kidney stone operation.