Is It a Heart Attack or a Panic Attack?
- Posted on: Sep 17 2022
Chest pain, shortness of breath, and a racing heartbeat can be alarming symptoms. They don’t automatically signal a heart attack – they’re also symptoms of panic attacks. However, because these issues can feel so similar in the moment, not knowing the difference can make a panic attack seem far worse than it is. Conversely, mistaking a heart attack for a panic attack can be a life-threatening misjudgment. So, how can you tell the difference?
Heart Attack Symptoms to Take Seriously
A heart attack occurs when blood flow to part of the heart muscle becomes blocked, typically due to a buildup of plaque in the coronary arteries. Without enough oxygen-rich blood, the affected portion of the heart muscle can begin to suffer damage.
Common heart attack symptoms may include:
- Chest pain, pressure, tightness, or a squeezing sensation
- Pain that spreads to the arm, shoulder, neck, jaw, or back
- Shortness of breath
- Nausea or vomiting
- Lightheadedness or sudden dizziness
- Cold sweats
- Unusual fatigue, particularly in women
These symptoms may appear suddenly or develop gradually over several minutes. Some people experience intense chest pain, while others notice milder discomfort paired with other symptoms.
A heart attack is a medical emergency. Without prompt treatment, damage to the heart muscle can worsen and lead to serious complications, including permanent heart damage, heart failure, or death. Seeking medical care right away can help reduce the extent of the harm and improve recovery outcomes.
When Chest Pain May Be a Medical Emergency
A heart attack is a medical emergency. Waiting too long to seek care can increase the risk of permanent heart damage, heart failure, or death.
Call 911 or seek emergency medical attention if you experience:
- New or severe chest pain
- Chest pressure that lasts more than a few minutes
- Pain that spreads to your arm, jaw, neck, shoulder, or back
- Shortness of breath with chest discomfort
- Sweating, nausea, dizziness, or fainting
- Symptoms that improve and then return
Even if you are unsure whether your symptoms are heart-related, it is safer to be evaluated promptly.
Common Symptoms of Panic Attacks
A panic attack is a sudden surge of intense fear or anxiety that triggers strong physical reactions. They can occur unexpectedly, sometimes even when there’s no clear danger present. Because panic attacks affect the body’s stress response, they can create sensations that closely resemble heart-related symptoms.
Symptoms of a panic attack may include:
- A rapid or pounding heartbeat
- Chest discomfort or tightness
- Shortness of breath or a feeling of choking
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Sweating or chills
- Trembling or shaking
- Nausea or stomach discomfort
- A sense of losing control or impending doom
Panic attack symptoms often peak within minutes and fade as the body gradually returns to a calmer state. Even though panic attacks can feel overwhelming, they don’t cause damage to the heart. Still, the physical intensity of the episode can make it difficult to distinguish from a more serious medical event without proper evaluation.
Panic Attack vs. Heart Attack: How Can You Tell the Difference?
When you experience the sudden onset of symptoms, it can be difficult to determine what your body is experiencing. While no checklist should be regarded as a substitute for a medical evaluation, certain warning signs should prompt you to seek care from a doctor. Ask yourself the following questions:
- Did the discomfort begin during physical activity or exertion?
- Is the pain spreading to your arm, jaw, neck, or back?
- Are you experiencing nausea, sweating, or unusual fatigue?
- Do the symptoms last longer than several minutes or return repeatedly?
- Do you have risk factors such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or a family history of heart disease?
If you answer “yes” to any of these questions, seek a medical evaluation right away.
Why You Should Visit a Cardiologist After Chest Pain or Shortness of Breath
Even symptoms that seem mild or pass quickly may still warrant a medical evaluation. A skilled cardiologist can review your symptoms, medical history, and risk factors to determine whether to perform further tests such as electrocardiograms (EKGs), stress tests, or cardiac imaging to help identify signs of heart disease or other cardiovascular concerns. These evaluations can also help rule out heart-related causes of chest pain, which may provide reassurance if your symptoms are linked to anxiety or panic attacks instead.
Cardiac Testing Can Help Find the Cause of Your Symptoms
A cardiologist may recommend testing based on your symptoms and risk factors. Common cardiac tests may include:
- Electrocardiogram: Records the electrical activity of your heart.
- Stress testing: Evaluates how your heart performs during physical activity or medication-induced stress.
- Echocardiogram: Uses ultrasound imaging to assess heart structure and function.
- Cardiac imaging: Helps identify certain heart or blood flow concerns.
- Blood pressure and cholesterol evaluation: Helps assess your overall cardiovascular risk.
Not every patient needs every test. The goal is to determine what is appropriate for your specific symptoms and health history.
Do Not Ignore Symptoms That Keep Coming Back
Recurring chest pain, shortness of breath, dizziness, or a racing heartbeat should be evaluated. Even if the symptoms are eventually linked to panic attacks, confirming that your heart is healthy can provide peace of mind and help you pursue the right treatment.
Ignoring symptoms can delay diagnosis of a serious heart condition. Getting tested can help you move forward with better information.
Contact Cardiovascular Wellness to Schedule a Test
Seeking medical guidance after experiencing concerning symptoms can clarify what your body experienced and help you take informed steps to protect your long-term heart health. The Nassau County team at Cardiovascular Wellness is ready to evaluate your heart health and determine whether further testing is appropriate. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.
FAQs
Can a panic attack feel like a heart attack?
Yes. Panic attacks can cause chest tightness, shortness of breath, dizziness, sweating, and a racing heartbeat. These symptoms can feel similar to a heart attack, which is why medical evaluation is important.
How do I know if my chest pain is serious?
Chest pain may be serious if it is new, severe, lasts more than a few minutes, spreads to the arm, jaw, neck, shoulder, or back, or occurs with shortness of breath, nausea, sweating, dizziness, or fainting. Seek emergency medical care if you are unsure.
Should I see a cardiologist after a panic attack?
You should consider seeing a cardiologist if you had chest pain, shortness of breath, a racing heartbeat, dizziness, or recurring symptoms. A cardiologist can help rule out heart-related causes and determine whether testing is needed.
What tests can a cardiologist perform for chest pain?
Depending on your symptoms and risk factors, a cardiologist may recommend an EKG, stress test, echocardiogram, cardiac imaging, or other evaluations to better understand your heart health.
Posted in: Heart Attack
