What’s the Difference Between a Panic Attack and Heart Attack?

Are you unsure whether your symptoms are related to anxiety or signs of a more serious medical concern? Here’s how to spot the differences between a panic attack and a heart attack.

Experiencing chest pain or discomfort can be frightening, especially if someone is unsure of what’s causing it. For people with anxiety disorders, the physical symptoms of a panic attack can mimic those of a heart attack, leading to confusion and increased anxiety. However, it’s important to know that this confusion is quite common, and understanding the key differences between a panic attack and a heart attack can help reduce fear. Here are the key differences between a panic attack and a heart attack, highlighting the symptoms of each and providing guidance on what to do if someone experiences them, to help develop a better understanding of what to do in each scenario.

What is a panic attack?

A panic attack is a sudden onset of intense fear or anxiety that can occur without warning in the form of a physical response. Their physical and emotional response to stress or anxiety can be worrisome, as panic attacks are often accompanied by overwhelming sensations of fear, chest pain, dizziness, and shortness of breath. A panic attack can occur at any time, even in calm or non-threatening situations, and can typically last between 5 and 20 minutes.

If panic attacks become frequent, they may evolve into panic disorder, which is characterized by recurrent panic attacks and often leads to avoidance behaviors due to fear of another attack. While the symptoms of these panic attacks can be severe, they are not life-threatening. The body’s response to fear is responsible for many of the physical sensations people experience, which can cause confusion, especially when the symptoms overlap with those of a heart attack.

What is a heart attack?

A heart attack occurs when blood flow to a part of the heart muscle is blocked, typically due to fatty deposits in the arteries (a condition known as heart disease). This blockage deprives the heart of oxygen and can lead to damage or death to the heart muscle. Heart attacks are a serious medical emergency and require immediate attention.

Unfortunately, many of the common heart attack symptoms are similar to those of a panic attack, including severe chest pain, shortness of breath, and dizziness. However, the chest pain associated with a heart attack is often described as a heavy, tight, or crushing sensation. If someone experiences any of these symptoms, it is critical to seek medical help immediately, as a delay in treatment can cause further damage to the heart muscle and may lead to heart failure or cardiac arrest.

The differences between a panic attack and a heart attack

Here are some key differences between a panic attack and a heart attack:

1. Chest pain

The chest pain caused by a panic attack is typically sharp, stabbing, or aching, and usually lasts for just a few minutes. People may feel like their chest is tight, but the pain typically goes away once the panic attack subsides. The discomfort is often accompanied by other symptoms, which can make the pain feel more intense. While this pain can be alarming, it’s important to remember that it is not related to a heart problem, and once the panic attack ends, the pain usually fades quickly. 

In contrast, the chest pain associated with a heart attack is often described as a heavy, pressure-like sensation. Unlike the discomfort from a panic attack, heart attack pain may worsen over time, rather than subside quickly. Heart attack chest pain may also radiate to other areas, such as the arms, back, neck, or jaw, which is less common in panic attacks. It is important to seek immediate medical attention when experiencing this type of chest pain to prevent further damage to the heart. 

2. Heart rate and palpitations

During a panic attack, heart rate often increases due to the body’s response to anxiety, leading to heart palpitations or a rapid, pounding heartbeat. Although this can be unsettling, it is usually harmless and subsides along with the panic attack. The body’s “fight or flight” response triggers this elevated heart rate, which is a natural reaction to stress. 

During a heart attack, people may also experience heart palpitations, but it is typically accompanied by other indicators. A racing heart during a heart attack is usually a result of stress on the heart due to reduced blood flow. This elevated heart rate often persists and may worsen, as the heart struggles to pump blood effectively to the rest of the body.

3. Shortness of breath

Shortness of breath can occur in panic attacks, but the intensity will be much less than that of a heart attack. During a panic attack, people may experience hyperventilation, where they breathe rapidly and shallowly, which can lead to feelings of dizziness and lightheadedness. This breathing pattern often exacerbates feelings of panic and can create a cycle of anxiety. Once the panic attack subsides and breathing normalizes, shortness of breath typically resolves quickly. 

In a heart attack, shortness of breath can occur due to the heart’s inability to pump blood effectively, often signaling that the heart muscle is being damaged. This difficulty in breathing may worsen as the heart’s function deteriorates, and immediate medical intervention is needed to prevent further damage to the heart muscle. If left untreated, prolonged lack of oxygen can lead to severe complications, including heart failure or cardiac arrest. 

4. Nausea and stomach pain

Stomach discomfort, nausea, and even stomach pain are common in panic attacks, as these symptoms are linked to anxiety and the body’s stress response. The digestive system can become affected during a panic attack, leading to sensations like a “knot” in the stomach or a feeling of heaviness. These symptoms are typically temporary and subside once the panic attack ends. 

In a heart attack, nausea and stomach pain may be a sign that the heart is not receiving enough oxygen. This can sometimes be mistaken for indigestion, but it is much more serious when associated with chest pain or other heart attack symptoms. The discomfort may worsen as the heart’s function becomes more compromised, and unlike indigestion, it doesn’t improve with food or antacids. 

Risk factors for panic attacks and heart attacks 

While panic attacks are typically caused by emotional stress, anxiety, or underlying mental health disorders, heart attacks are primarily related to physical factors like heart disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and smoking.

Panic disorder is often triggered by stressful life events, significant emotional stress, or genetic factors. People who have a family history of anxiety or panic disorder may be at a higher risk of experiencing frequent panic attacks. Other risk factors include having a history of childhood trauma, such as abuse or neglect, which can increase vulnerability to panic disorder. Additionally, certain medical conditions or substance abuse, including the use of stimulants or alcohol withdrawal, can also contribute to the onset of panic attacks. Environmental stressors, like major life changes or chronic stress, further heighten the likelihood of developing panic disorder. 

Heart attacks, on the other hand, can often be caused by a combination of lifestyle factors and health conditions. Common risk factors include high blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoking, obesity, a sedentary lifestyle, and a family history of cardiovascular disease. Additionally, factors like diabetes, excessive alcohol consumption, chronic stress, and a poor diet high in saturated fats and processed foods can further increase the risk of a heart attack. Age and gender also play a role, with older people and men typically being at higher risk, though women’s risk increases after menopause. 

When to seek medical attention

It can be challenging to differentiate between a panic attack and a heart attack, especially when experiencing similar symptoms. However, if unsure, it’s always safer to seek medical attention immediately.

Although panic attacks are not life-threatening, they can be debilitating. If someone experiences frequent panic attacks or panic disorder, it’s important to consult a healthcare professional. Therapy, including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and medications like anxiolytics or antidepressants can help manage panic attacks and reduce anxiety symptoms. Furthermore, if panic attacks interfere with daily life, work, or relationships, or if it’s increasingly difficult to control anxiety, seeking professional help is crucial, as early intervention can prevent symptoms from worsening and provide coping strategies to manage anxiety more effectively. Support groups and relaxation techniques, such as mindfulness or deep breathing exercises, can also be beneficial as part of a comprehensive treatment plan. 

If someone experiences chest pain that feels heavy or crushing, along with shortness of breath, nausea, sweating, or pain radiating to other areas of the body, seek immediate medical help. A heart attack is a medical emergency, and the faster a person gets treatment, the better their chance of recovery. Call emergency services or go to the nearest emergency room as soon as possible. Other symptoms that may signal a heart attack include dizziness, lightheadedness, or a feeling of impending doom. It’s important not to ignore these signs, as early intervention can minimize heart damage and increase the likelihood of a full recovery. If someone is unsure whether it’s a heart attack or a panic attack, it’s always better to err on the side of caution and seek professional help. 

How Charlie Health can help

If you or a loved one are struggling with a mental health disorder, Charlie Health is here to help. Charlie Health’s virtual Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) provides more than once-weekly mental health treatment for dealing with serious mental health conditions. Our expert clinicians incorporate evidence-based therapies into individual counseling, family therapy, and group sessions. With treatment, managing your mental health is possible. Fill out the form below or give us a call to start healing today.