Panic Attacks Versus Heart Attacks

Panic attacks and heart attacks can share symptoms, but their causes are different. Panic attack
symptoms come on suddenly and often improve with calming techniques while heart attack
symptoms tend to persist or worsen over time, and can be deadly.

A heart attack (myocardial infarction) occurs when blood flow to a part of the heart muscle is
blocked, usually by a blood clot. This blockage prevents oxygen from reaching the heart.
Cardiovascular emergencies are urgent medical conditions that can lead to severe health
complications or death if not treated immediately.

Symptoms of a heart attack commonly include:

− Chest pain or pressure
− An ache in the jaw or jaw pain
− Arm, back, or neck discomfort or pain
− Stomach pain or discomfort
− Shortness of breath
− Cold sweats
− Nausea
− Light-headedness or dizziness

If chest pain lasts more than a few minutes or worsens, or doesn’t improve with rest, call 9-1-1
right away. When in doubt, seek care.

Panic attacks are sudden, intense episodes of fear or overwhelming anxiety that can peak
within minutes. Although some call them anxiety attacks, panic attacks are different from
generalized anxiety. They occur in response to stress, fear, or a specific trigger, but they can
also come unexpectedly. They are more common in individuals with anxiety disorders but can
happen to anyone.

During a panic attack, you may feel:

Chest pain or discomfort
− Rapid heartbeat
− Shortness of breath
− Sweating
− Trembling or shaking
− Feeling of choking
− Nausea or abdominal distress
− Dizziness or lightheadedness

Panic attacks are more common in individuals with anxiety disorders, but they can happen to
anyone. Panic attacks and heart attacks share similar symptoms like chest pain, shortness of
breath, and a racing heart. However, panic attacks come on suddenly, peak in 10 minutes, and
feature sharp pain and an intense sense of doom. Heart attack pain is often described as a
crushing pressure that radiates to the jaw or arms and worsens over.

The key differences between panic attacks and heart attacks are in the onset and duration of
symptoms like these:

− Panic attacks start suddenly and peak within minutes, while heart attack symptoms
often begin gradually and intensify.
− Panic attack symptoms typically fade within 20–30 minutes, while heart attack
symptoms last longer and do not go away without medical treatment.
− Panic attacks can be triggered by specific situations or thoughts, while external factors
do not lead to heart attacks.
− Panic attacks may subside after anti-anxiety medications, whereas heart attacks require
immediate medical care, such as clot-busting drugs or procedures to restore blood flow
to the heart.

If you believe that you are having a panic attack, try using grounding techniques like deep, slow
breathing, cold water, and if you can, talking with someone who will help you get focused again
if you believe you are having a heart attack, call 911 immediately. Do not attempt to drive
yourself to the hospital, even if the symptoms have not yet become debilitating.

For questions and appointments, write to us on our website or call us at (585) 442-6960.