Panic Attack or Heart Attack? How to Tell the Difference

Your heart is racing and you feel an elephant sitting on your chest. Is it a heart attack or are you feeling anxiety?

Today you’re going to learn the difference in a heart attack and a panic attack. Stick around to the end because I’m going to share with you a FREE resource to not only STOP panic in its tracks but that will also help you to increase the health of your body to begin with.

8 Signs of a Panic Attack

• The anxiety came on out of the blue, you were not exerting or doing anything in particular to trigger the symptoms.
• The pain tends to be sharp and stabbing in the middle of the chest.
• Sudden onset or onset during extreme stress or anxiety
• Increased or racing heart rate
• Shortness of breath
• Sweating
• Tingling in the hands
• Pain that gets better over time
• Symptoms that resolve within 20 to 30 minutes
• NOTE: Although a panic attack may feel very uncomfortable, it is not life-threatening. A panic attack will not cause a heart attack.

8 Signs of a Heart Attack

• The quality of the pain tends to be more of a squeezing pain and pressure in the chest
• Sudden onset during or following physical activity (i.e., climbing the stairs or shoveling snow)
• Pain that radiates to the arm, jaw, or the shoulder blades
• Pain and symptoms that get worse over time
• Difficulty catching your breath/ Shortness of breath
• Feeling faint
• Sweating
• Nausea and vomiting

Keep in mind that in women, heart attack symptoms may be milder, and may only include fatigue and mild chest discomfort and not pain. Some women also report stomach pain and no chest symptoms what-so-ever when having a heart attack.

As the symptoms of panic attacks and heart attacks can be quite similar, it is always best to seek immediate medical attention when in doubt. Never hesitate to call 911.

IN SUMMARY: There are 2 key distinctions between panic attacks and heart attacks:

• One of the key distinctions between a heart attack and a panic attack is that a heart attack often develops during physical exertion, whereas a panic attack can occur at rest. So this means, a heart attack is more likely to develop when your physical demand increases, like shoveling snow, doing heavy lifting, or going upstairs.
• Another difference is duration: Panic attacks tend to gradually subside and often resolve within 20 minutes. Symptoms of a heart attack will typically continue and may worsen over time.

So, what do you do?

1. When in doubt, always call 911. While your symptoms may be due to panic, it’s always better to play it safe and have a doctor examine you and make sure your heart is healthy and strong.
2. Be proactive in your health. Getting a physical exam and wellness labs every year with your primary care doctor can help you to identify and address risk factors for anxiety or heart disease.
3. Do work to keep your stress under control. This will keep your heart healthy, your autonomic nervous system balanced, and decrease the likelihood of panic attacks and anxiety episodes.

This is where I can help. Remember earlier I told you I had a great FREE resource?

If you’re anything like me, you want results yesterday and you’re anxiously anticipating solutions that you can start putting into play as soon as possible.

I remember being there.

My anxiety used to be so intense, that I felt an immediate urge to do something, do anything.

I’m sure you’re looking for ways to get the best results as quickly as possible. This is why I have created this Anxiety Breakthrough Wellness Springboard.

The PDF guide will walk you through a few powerful things that you can start doing RIGHT NOW to prepare for the life-changing experience that we’re embarking on together.

Here’s to your next chapter,

Dr. Nicole

References:

Panic Attack vs. Heart Attack: How to Tell the Difference, February 1, 2020, retrieved on February 17, 2021 from https://www.bidmc.org/about-bidmc/wellness-insights/heart-health/2020/01/panic-attack-vs-heart-attack

Panic attack vs. heart attack: How to tell the difference, Medical News Today, retrieved on February 17, 2021 from https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/322797#telling-the-difference