"I get heartburn all the time and carry some antacids every where. Is heartburn dangerous?"
We are conditioned to believe that heartburn is somehow normal but it is not and can lead to serious problems if left untreated. Medications such as Zantac, Pepcid, Prilosec OTC are meant to be taken every day as a preventative medication and not designed to chase symptoms once they have started. The rule is that if you have heartburn twice a week or more you should be on a daily H2 blocker (Zantac, Tagamet, Pepcid) or proton pump inhibitor (Prilosec, Nexium, Protonix, Prevacid). See your doctor and discuss the best strategy and any testing they advise.

"I only get heartburn when I eat spicy food."
Your father would tell you "Then don't do that." Avoidance of a known aggravating factor is one good measure to control heartburn. Other measures you can take are to make sure you eat dinner an hour or more before going to bed, keep up on your fluids, avoid caffeinated drinks, limit alcohol, quit smoking, raise the head of your bed up if you have night time heartburn.

"I take Zantac but I still get heartburn sometimes at night."
Try switching to Prilosec OTC which is the only over the counter proton pump inhibitor out there and take this daily. If this does not help then pick up some Gaviscon from the pharmacy which is also over the counter and can help if you get severe night time heartburn by pushing all the acid down and out of your esophagus. Plan on seeing your health care provider for advice on the best long term solution.