How Does Panic Attack Differ From Heart Attack?

Heart attack is a serious condition that occurs as a result of coronary heart disease. It requires immediate medical attention, otherwise the victim might end up with disability or even death. Panic attack, on the other hand, is a form of anxiety that is triggered by a stressful event, and it poses no immediate danger.

Both attacks have very similar symptoms making it difficult for anyone to differentiate. However, they are some key differences. For instance, both attack sufferers can have intense chest pain. Chest pain associated with an actual heart attack is often described as crushing. The feeling may radiate into the rest of the chest, arms, back, neck, and even teeth. Chest pain during a panic attack tends to feel more localized. It is more limited to a certain area of the chest.

Meanwhile, the symptoms are more likely to surprise one with a sudden onset in a panic attack. Symptoms typically only last around 10 minutes. A heart attack may start with minor discomfort, and builds up into severe pain over a few minutes. It can last up to a couple of hours. A 5- to 10-minute of deep, active breathing should loosen up the tightened chest, and the panic attack will slowly start to subside. If after 5-minutes of breathing, the body has not shown any signs of improvement, then it may be a heart attack. 

Nausea may occur in both heart attack and panic attack. It is more common for heart attack sufferers to end up vomiting though it can rarely occur in some panic attack victims, too. People with panic attack may have an intense feeling of fear or anxiety, and they are more likely to have hyperventilation.

It is less common for those with panic attack to faint, but victims of heart attack can always experience lightheadedness or even lose consciousness. Panic attack usually starts in the younger ages, and heart attack tends to happen to those with ill health, who are obese and those in the elderly.

A heart attack can actually lead to a panic attack due to the fear and anxiety but a panic attack cannot cause heart attack. Nevertheless, if one has an underlying heart issue, panic attack may stress the body and can aggravate an existing heart condition. So, people who have an existing heart condition should talk to their doctor if they are experiencing panic attack.

Diagnosis of panic attack patients include a psychological evaluation using questionnaires or consultations with a psychiatrist. But doctors must first rule out a heart attack, stroke or asthma attack before a panic disorder can be considered. Treatment for panic attack can be carried out through a combination of drugs and therapy. Patients on medication often show marked improvement. Therapy that involves challenging unhelpful thoughts or relaxation techniques like breathing exercises can also help.