Heart Attack or Panic Attack - Know The Difference!

A heart attack and a panic attack can be difficult to differentiate because of the overlapping symptoms. Heart attack, on one hand, is a life-threatening condition and arises because the heart stops to function. It could be because of the blockage of arteries. On the other hand, a panic attack is situational and a sudden feeling of anxiety or fear can lead to it.

Symptoms of heart attack & panic attack

It is important to understand the difference between the symptoms of heart attack and panic attack. It will not only help you to know about the condition better, but also act accordingly.  Below are the few symptoms of these two conditions:

Symptoms of heart attack

• Constant and escalating pain in chest area

• Feeling a pressure or fullness in the chest area

• Heart palpitations or racing heart

• Upper body pain (shoulders, arms, back, neck, jaw, teeth, etc.)

• Hot or cold sweats

• Shortness of breath

• Dizziness or fainting

Symptoms of panic attack

• Sharp or stabbing pain in chest, which lasts for a very small duration like 5 to 10 seconds

• Intensive pain in chest

• Pain can be relieved or worsened when you change positions or press the area of pain

• Prickly feeling and numbness that can be felt in arms, legs and fingers

• You may experience a feeling of suffocation

How to differentiate between heart attack and panic attack?

A heart attack and a panic attack can be differentiated by understanding these two factors:

1. Characteristics of the pain

Pain in chest is a common symptom for both, but the kind of pain you may experience will help you in differentiating these conditions. During a panic attack, chest pain is usually sharp or stabbing whereas, before a heart attack the pain may feel like a pressure or squeezing sensation in chest. Also, in this case, pain radiates from the chest to the arm, jaw, or shoulder, usually on the left side of the body.

2. Duration

How long will the symptoms last? This can also help you in differentiating between the two conditions. Symptoms of panic attack usually last for about 20 to 30 minutes. There will be a sense of relief after that. But in case of heart attack, the symptoms get worse with time. The pain radiates from chest to arm and in some situations, the person may even collapse.

It is important to understand the difference between heart attack and panic attack, act early in case of heart attack. This could be life-saving.