Is It a Heart Attack or a Panic Attack?

Many people have rushed to an emergency room thinking they were having a heart attack only to be told they were having an anxiety attack. Medical professionals say it can be difficult to tell the difference so if you think you are having a heart attack, seek immediate medical help as time can make a difference in your recovery.

The Medical News Today goes over some of the signs of heart attacks as well as panic attacks. Heart attacks typically include: chest pain, shortness of breath, nausea, vomiting and sweating. They explain in a heart attack the pain may resemble pressure or a squeezing sensation. It often starts in the center of the chest and may radiate from the chest to the arm, jaw or shoulder blades. While women experience symptoms of angina during a heart attack, they also frequently suffer from shortness of breath, nausea/vomiting, and back or jaw pain. 

During a panic attack, pain is typically centered in the middle of the chest and is sharp or stabbing. Doctors say test such as an electrocardiogram (ECG) and blood tests, allow a doctor to make an accurate diagnosis.

Both panic attacks and heart attacks tend to come on suddenly, with panic attacks often occurring during times of extreme stress. Heart attacks can come after physical exertion such as climbing stairs or shoveling snow. In a panic attack, pain gets better over time (usually in 20 to 30 minutes). In a heart attack, pain gets worse and begins to spread down into the arm, jaw or shoulder blades. Both conditions cause shortness of breath and sweating. 

If you do have panic attacks, doctors say it is important to get medical help for them as they are disruptive and unpleasant to go through.  There are medical treatments that help. 

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Source: medicalnewstoday.com/articles/322797#telling-the-difference