Since panic attacks and heart attacks share similar symptoms, including chest pain, sometimes people confuse one for the other. Knowing the difference between a panic attack and a heart attack before they occur could be the difference between life and death.
Signs of a Panic Attack
Anyone can experience a panic attack, regardless of whether they have a any sort of mental health diagnosis. A panic attack is described as an intense wave of sudden fear or angst and can occur without any discernible trigger. An episode can happen anytime throughout the day or awaken you from sleep. Panic attack episodes are usually brief, usually peaking within the first 10 to 20 minutes, but can last up to an hour.
If you experience a panic attack, you may have the following symptoms:
Typical symptoms of a panic attack include:
- Sweating
- Unsteadiness, dizziness, or feeling lightheaded
- Accelerated heartbeat
- Shaking or trembling
- Sensation of smothering or shortness of breath
- Nausea or abdominal distress
- Chest pain or discomfort
- Chills or heat sensations
- Fear of losing control or dying
A surge of adrenaline, the body’s natural response to perceived stress, causes most of these unnerving symptoms. While a panic attack can seem debilitating, it is not life-threatening. Try some grounding techniques or focus on a single object or person to distract yourself from the panic. Breathe in deeply for 5 seconds, hold for 5 seconds, and exhale slowly for 5 seconds. Within 20 or so minutes, the symptoms should start to ease.
If you experience panic attacks frequently, you should speak to your healthcare provider, as recurring panic attacks may be a sign of a panic disorder and can negatively impact your overall health.
Signs of a Heart Attack
A heart attack can happen when the blood flow to your heart muscle is blocked. Heart attacks often happen after or during physical exertion and don’t usually subside once activity stops, an important characteristic distinguishing them from panic attacks.
If you experience a heart attack, you likely have the following symptoms:
- Chest pain or discomfort, which may feel like uncomfortable squeezing, pressure, or fullness.
- Shortness of breath, with or without chest discomfort.
- Pain or discomfort that radiates to one or both arms, back, shoulders, or above the belly button
- Nausea or vomiting
- Breaking out into a cold sweat or sweating a lot for no reason
While these may seem similar to those of a panic attack, heart attack symptoms typically worsen over time and do not subside with rest. Its worth noting that while the above symptoms are typical for a heart attack, some women may experience different symptoms of a heart attack instead.
If you or someone else are having the above symptoms and you’re not sure if you’re having a panic attack or a heart attack, call 9-1-1 right away. Do not wait or let anyone tell you that you are overreacting. Early intervention is vital to minimizing damage during a heart attack.
Ways to Mitigate the Risk of Heart Attacks or Panic Attacks
It’s important to understand your personal risk factors for heart disease, including your age, family history, eating habits, and activity levels.
Adopting a heart-healthy lifestyle through eating a balanced diet, regular activity, and ensuring you get plenty of rest can contribute to your overall health and well-being, including reducing the risk of both panic and heart attacks.
Relieving stress through exercise and incorporating relaxing hobbies into your life is good for your heart. Adding stress reduction techniques into your daily routine, including deep breathing exercises, yoga, or meditation, may also prevent or manage panic attacks when they strike.
Understanding how to distinguish the difference between a panic attack and a heart attack is essential for your cardiovascular health. Working with your primary physician will give you the tools you need to navigate various health issues as they arise.
