What’s the difference between a heart attack and a panic attack?
It’s common for someone experiencing a panic attack to fear they are having a heart attack, and vice versa. Both events can cause alarming symptoms like chest pain, shortness of breath, sweating, dizziness, or even a fear of dying. However, despite their similarities, these two conditions have very different causes, implications, and treatments. Knowing how to tell them apart can make a life-saving difference.
Let’s explore in depth the fundamental differences between a heart attack and a panic attack, how to recognize them, and when to seek emergency medical care.
1. Nature and cause
A heart attack, or myocardial infarction, is a serious physical condition caused by a blockage in the coronary arteries, which supply blood to the heart. When oxygen can’t reach the heart muscle, tissue damage begins. It is a medical emergency that requires immediate intervention.
A panic attack, by contrast, is a sudden psychological event triggered by intense fear or stress. It is part of anxiety disorders and usually not life-threatening, although it can be extremely frightening and physically intense.
2. Symptoms comparison
Both types of attacks share many symptoms, leading to frequent confusion:
Similarities:
- Chest pain or discomfort
- Rapid heartbeat or palpitations
- Shortness of breath
- Dizziness or light-headedness
- Sweating
- Feeling of losing control or dying
Key differences:
- The chest pain in a heart attack often feels crushing or radiates to the left arm, jaw, or neck, and it does not ease with rest.
- In a panic attack, the chest pain is usually sharp, localized, and often comes with hyperventilation or tingling in the hands.
The onset is also different. Panic attacks often peak within 10 minutes, while a heart attack can build more slowly. Panic attacks generally go away within 30 minutes, while heart attack symptoms may worsen with time.
3. Risk factors
Heart attack:
- Family history of heart disease
- High blood pressure
- Diabetes
- Smoking
- High cholesterol
- Sedentary lifestyle
Panic attack:
- History of anxiety or panic disorder
- Chronic stress
- Traumatic experiences
- Oversensitive nervous system
- Genetic predisposition
So, a young healthy person under a lot of stress is more likely to be having a panic attack, while an older person with heart disease risk factors should be evaluated immediately for a possible heart attack.
4. Diagnosis
It’s often difficult to tell the difference based on symptoms alone. This is why only a healthcare provider can make an accurate diagnosis.
Tests commonly used to rule out a heart attack include:
- Electrocardiogram (ECG)
- Blood tests for cardiac enzymes (troponin)
- Chest X-ray
- Echocardiogram
If no heart issues are found, the diagnosis may be a panic attack, in which case psychological treatment is recommended.
5. Treatment and care
Heart attack:
- Immediate hospitalization
- Aspirin, blood thinners, beta-blockers
- Possible angioplasty or surgery
- Long-term cardiac care
Panic attack:
- Deep breathing and relaxation
- Moving to a calm space
- Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
- Anxiolytics or antidepressants if recurrent
Never ignore chest pain, even if you suspect it’s “just” anxiety. When in doubt, it’s always safer to seek emergency help.
Conclusion
Although heart attacks and panic attacks may look alike, they are entirely different. One threatens your life, the other threatens your mental peace. Yet both deserve to be taken seriously.
Knowing the difference helps you respond appropriately and care for both your body and mind. If you or someone around you experiences unexplained chest pain or a strong sense of panic, stay calm and don’t hesitate to call for medical help.
