How To Tell the Difference Between a Heart Attack and a Panic Attack

Because the symptoms can overlap, many people with panic attacks understandably rush to the emergency room, unsure of what’s happening. While it’s always better to be safe and get checked, understanding the differences between the two can help you respond more calmly and quickly.

Our team at Premier Cardiology Consultants is dedicated to protecting lives. Our comprehensive care focuses on diagnosing, treating, and preventing the consequences of cardiovascular disease, including heart attacks.

We always want you to take the signs of a heart attack seriously and seek emergency medical care immediately should you develop symptoms you’re not sure about. However, understanding the differences between a heart attack and a panic attack can help you make informed decisions.

Shared symptoms of a heart attack and a panic attack

Both heart attacks and panic attacks can cause:

Chest pain or discomfort
Shortness of breath
A pounding or racing heartbeat
Profuse sweating
Dizziness or lightheadedness
Anxiety

With so much in common, it’s no wonder people confuse them. The key lies in looking at “how” the symptoms appear and what else comes with them.

Signs of a heart attack

A heart attack happens when blood flow to part of the heart muscle is blocked. This is a medical emergency that requires immediate treatment.

Common signs include:

Chest pressure or squeezing

Rather than sharp or localized pain, individuals often describe heaviness, fullness, or chest pressure that doesn’t subside with rest.

Spreading pain

Discomfort may radiate to the jaw, neck, shoulders, arms (especially the left), or back between the shoulder blades.

Gradual onset

Symptoms of a heart attack often build slowly over several minutes rather than peaking suddenly.

Associated symptoms

Nausea and cold sweats often accompany chest pain. Many people also report upper abdominal discomfort or the sensation of heartburn. You may also experience extreme fatigue for days or longer before the event.

Risk factors

People with high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, smoking history, or family history of heart disease should be especially alert.

Signs of a panic attack

A panic attack is the body’s exaggerated “fight-or-flight” response to stress or anxiety. Though very uncomfortable, it is not life-threatening.

Symptoms often include:

Sudden onset

Panic attacks typically start abruptly and peak within 10 minutes.

Sharp or stabbing chest pain

Unlike the heavy pressure and spreading discomfort often associated with a heart attack, the pain may feel more localized.

Rapid breathing or hyperventilation

This can cause tingling in the hands or around the mouth.

Sense of doom

Many people describe feeling like they are about to die, even when medically stable.

Younger age and a history of anxiety

Panic attacks are more common in people under 40, especially if they’ve had them before.

What to do if you’re not sure

It’s important to remember: you should never try to self-diagnose during a health crisis. If you experience new or severe chest pain, call 911 immediately. Emergency professionals can quickly run tests to determine whether you’re having a heart attack.

If it turns out to be a panic attack, the relief of knowing your heart is healthy can be the first step toward managing anxiety. Your doctor may recommend counseling, stress management techniques, or medications if panic attacks are frequent.

While panic attacks and heart attacks share overlapping symptoms, the differences are essential. Heart attacks usually involve persistent, spreading chest pressure and come with physical risk factors, while panic attacks peak quickly and are linked with anxiety.

When in doubt, seek emergency care. It could save your life.