Panic Attack vs. Heart Attack: What’s the Difference?

Both panic attacks and heart attacks can cause symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, and rapid heartbeat. These similarities can often lead people to confuse one with the other. However, it is important to understand that the two are very different conditions that require different treatments.

Panic Attack

A panic attack is a sudden and intense surge of fear or discomfort that typically lasts for a few minutes. The symptoms of a panic attack can be physical or psychological, and often come on suddenly without warning.

Common physical symptoms of a panic attack may include chest pain, sweating, shaking, rapid heartbeat, shortness of breath, and dizziness. Psychological symptoms can include a feeling of impending doom or a sense of unreality.

Leading cardiac surgeon Dr Ramji Mehrotra says that panic attacks are usually caused by an overactive sympathetic nervous system, which is the part of the body that triggers the “fight or flight” response. This response is a natural reaction to stress, danger, or perceived threat. However, in the case of panic attacks, the response is triggered by something that is not actually a threat.

Treatment for panic attacks often involves therapy, medication, or a combination of both. Therapy can help individuals learn coping strategies and relaxation techniques to manage their symptoms. Medication, such as antidepressants or benzodiazepines, may be prescribed to help reduce the frequency and severity of panic attacks.

Heart Attack

A heart attack, also known as a myocardial infarction, occurs when blood flow to the heart is blocked, usually by a blood clot. This blockage can damage or destroy part of the heart muscle, and can be life-threatening if not treated immediately.

The symptoms of a heart attack can include chest pain or discomfort, shortness of breath, nausea, light headedness, and cold sweat. Chest pain is the most common symptom of a heart attack and can be described as a feeling of pressure, tightness, squeezing, or fullness in the chest.

A heart attack is a medical emergency that requires immediate treatment. Treatment may include medications to dissolve blood clots or improve blood flow, procedures to open blocked arteries, or surgery to bypass blocked arteries.

Differences

While panic attacks and heart attacks can share some symptoms, there are several key differences between the two conditions. For example:

Panic attacks typically occur in people who are younger and without a history of heart disease, while heart attacks are more common in people over 50 and those with a history of heart disease.

Panic attacks usually last for a few minutes, while heart attack symptoms can last for several minutes or even hours.

Panic attacks can occur at any time, while heart attacks often occur during physical exertion or stress.

Panic attacks are not life-threatening, while a heart attack can be fatal if not treated promptly.

Dr Ramji Mehrotra is of the opinion that if you are experiencing symptoms that you believe could be a heart attack, you should seek medical attention immediately. Do not try to self-diagnose or self-treat, as this can delay proper treatment and potentially be life-threatening.

In conclusion, while panic attacks and heart attacks can have similar symptoms, they are very different conditions that require different treatments. Understanding the differences between the two can help you seek appropriate medical care if you experience any symptoms.