[header] How to know if you have a hiatal hernia [title] Pay attention to heartburn. [step] The stomach is a very acidic environment because it must mix and break down food while fighting off harmful bacteria and viruses. Unfortunately, the esophagus cannot handle acidic material. 
A hiatal hernia can cause backflow of food into the esophagus, which results in a burning sensation. Since this occurs near the heart, it's called heartburn.