{"id":23659,"date":"2021-03-27T13:00:52","date_gmt":"2021-03-27T17:00:52","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/?p=23659"},"modified":"2025-02-12T17:14:19","modified_gmt":"2025-02-12T22:14:19","slug":"panic-attack-vs-heart-attack","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/panic-attack-vs-heart-attack\/","title":{"rendered":"Do you know the differences between a panic attack vs. heart attack?"},"content":{"rendered":"

The heart is one of the most important organs in an individual\u2019s body. Its responsibilities include delivering oxygen and nutrients by pumping blood throughout our bodies. Thus, an issue originating in the heart can be very worrisome. Some of the symptoms of a panic attack and heart attack are similar, and knowing the difference between the two can potentially save your life.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

A panic attack is the result of excess stress hormones causing an episode of intense anxiety. Meanwhile, a heart attack (not to be confused with cardiac arrest) occurs when a coronary artery becomes blocked. This will lead to part of the heart receiving insufficient oxygen.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Symptoms<\/h2>\n

Panic attack<\/span><\/h3>\n

We must remember two specific elements when thinking of panic attacks. The first is that they can occur at any time without warning. The sudden nature of a panic attack can be dangerous. Whether anxiety attacks occur frequently or infrequently, there is no telling when one might strike.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The second thing to remember is that a panic attack will often have to run its course. Most panic attacks start abruptly and last a few minutes to an hour. Meditation and breathing exercises may help the panic attack subside or feel less overwhelming. Common signs of a panic attack include palpitations, sweating, shortness of breath, hot flashes, fear of dying, and a sense of danger.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Heart attack<\/span><\/h3>\n

Chest pain is the number one <\/span>preemptive sign<\/span><\/a> of a heart attack, although chest pain is not always present in a heart attack. Any discomfort that lasts for a prolonged period is a symptom of a heart attack. What you want to look out for is a feeling of pressure, tightness, or chest discomfort.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

This doesn\u2019t extend exclusively to the chest. A feeling of pressure in the arms, shoulders, jaw, and neck can also be symptoms of a heart attack. Sudden fatigue is yet another indicator that a heart attack is occurring.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
\n

Panic attack vs. heart attack symptoms<\/span><\/strong><\/h3>\n<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n

Panic attack\u00a0<\/span><\/strong><\/td>\nHeart attack\u00a0<\/span><\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\n
    \n
  • Feelings of impending danger, choking, or losing control<\/span><\/li>\n
  • Headache, dizziness, or lightheadedness<\/span><\/li>\n
  • Sudden change in temperature, chills\/hot flashes<\/span><\/li>\n
  • Shortness of breath<\/span><\/li>\n
  • Racing heart palpitations<\/span><\/li>\n
  • Nausea<\/span><\/li>\n
  • Numbness or tingling<\/span><\/li>\n
  • Chest pain<\/span><\/li>\n
  • Sweating<\/span><\/li>\n
  • Shaking or trembling<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n
\n