Sudden onset of symptoms like chest pain, breathlessness, and lightheadedness can be alarming, raising concerns of a heart attack or a panic attack. Differentiating between the two can be challenging as the symptoms can overlap, particularly during a first-time occurrence.
Dr Saikat Kanjilal, Consultant - Interventional Cardiologist, Manipal Hospital, Sarjapur Road, Bengaluru, explains the difference between heart attack and panic attack and the measures to be taken.
According to the Primary Care Companion to The Journal of Clinical Psychiatry, there are various cardiac abnormalities linked to panic disorder. Patients with panic disorder also have higher standing heart rates.
What Are The Symptoms Of A Heart Attack?
A heart attack happens when part of the heart muscle does not receive adequate blood. Common heart attack symptoms include:
- Chest pain or pressure
- Pounding or racing heart
- A feeling of lightheadedness or faintness
- Sweating
- Pain or discomfort in the upper body, such as the jaw, neck, arms, shoulders, and back
- Breathlessness
- Nausea or vomiting
Also Read: How to Spot Someone Having a Heart Attack Around You
What Are the Symptoms Of A Panic Attack?
Panic attacks arise when the body’s fight or flight response is triggered due to an increase in stress hormone levels. Dr Kanjilal listed the symptoms of panic attack as follows:
- Feeling scared and nervous
- Chest pain
- Trouble breathing
- Rapid heartbeat
- Headache
- Stomachache
- Dizziness
The episodes can occur unexpectedly and endure for a duration ranging from a few minutes to an hour.
Also Read: 6 Ways To Help Someone Having A Panic Attack
Location And Character Of Pain
Dr Kanjilal said, “In the event of a heart attack, the pain may spread to adjacent regions, such as the arm, jaw, or neck. Whereas in panic attacks, pain typically stays in the chest. A heart attack feels like heaviness, pressure, or squeezing over the chest or a sensation of heartburn. In contrast, the chest pain or discomfort experienced during panic episodes is defined as an unexplainable, unusual chest pain that may be severe or stabbing in nature.”
Associated Conditions
People with cardiac risk factors like diabetes, hypertension, smoking, obesity, high cholesterol, and significant family history of heart disease are more likely to suffer from a heart attack.
People with mood disorders, generalised anxiety disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, irritable bowel syndrome, migraines, and substance abuse disorders are more likely to suffer from panic attacks.
The Triggers
Dr Kanjilal said that heart attacks commonly occur following physical exertion or strain, unlike panic attacks. Although both can wake you up from sleep, people who have nighttime panic attacks usually have daytime attacks too and have other anxiety-associated symptoms. So, if there is no history of anxiety or panic attacks, and that person wakes up with symptoms that might be a heart attack.
How Long Does It Last?
While heart attacks typically do not subside, the symptoms of a panic attack can continue for a few minutes or even up to a few hours before they go away on their own or with relaxation.
Panic attacks are associated with a fast heart rate and are usually temporary. Heart attacks can cause fast, slow, or even completed cessation of heart rate (cardiac arrest) which is never seen in a panic attack.
Tests For Diagnosis
Heart attacks can be diagnosed with ECG, echocardiography, blood tests like troponins, and coronary angiography. But there are no tests for panic attacks. Panic attacks are diagnosed based on clinical criteria.
Can A Panic Attack Lead To A Heart Attack?
Dr Kanjilal said, “Emotional stress contributes to both illnesses, even though panic attacks are unlikely to result in a heart attack. Both can occur after a stressful event. People with anxiety, depression, and chronic stress are at a higher risk for hypertension, heart attacks, and stroke and require prompt treatment.”
Message From The Expert
Dr Kanjilal highlighted, “People with cardiac risk factors should beware of the warning symptoms of anginal chest pain that usually precedes a heart attack in days or weeks. These symptoms are often ignored or attributed to ‘gas’ and other non-specific conditions. A heart attack is a medical emergency, while a panic attack is not. But, with an overlap of indistinguishable symptoms, do not take a chance.”
Disclaimer
The information in this article is provided by a registered healthcare practitioner and is for informational purposes only. Hence, we advise you to consult your healthcare expert for a diagnosis catered to your needs.