by Dr Deebanshu Gupta, Interventional Cardiologist
Every emergency department gets patients every week who put off going in for hours or days because they believe they are suffering a panic attack. Symptoms may include: a racing heart, chest tightness, shortness of breath, dizziness, disorientation and an overwhelming sense of dread. However, in some instances, these warning signs may be an indication of something much more serious: a heart attack.
Why Do Panic Attacks and Heart Attacks Feel So Alike?
Heart attacks are often mistaken for panic attacks because both trigger the body’s “fight-or-flight” response. This floods your system with adrenaline and does create very similar physical sensations . You may experience chest pain, sweating, palpitations, nausea, shortness of breath and a feeling that something is terribly wrong in either case.
This overlap can make it difficult to tell the difference between the two without a proper medical evaluation. Even health care professionals don’t rely solely on symptoms to make an accurate diagnosis; they use tests.
The Dangerous Assumption
Panic attacks and heart attacks have many of the same symptoms, but there are some important differences. Panic attacks usually reach a peak within 10 minutes and may start to go away gradually with breathing exercises, relaxation techniques or reassurance. Heart attack symptoms, however, are typically persistent, worsening with activity and not resolving with rest.
Contrary to the popular image of a heart attack as a sudden, crushing chest pain, Many people get only mild pressure, heaviness or discomfort. Women, older adults and persons with diabetes are particularly affected, as symptoms can be subtle and easily attributed to anxiety or stress.
Common Symptoms
Seek immediate medical attention if you feel:
● Chest pain or discomfort that lasts more than 10 minutes.
● Pain radiating to the jaw, neck, back, shoulders or arms.
● Shortness of breath, particularly with physical activity.
● Cold sweats, nausea or unusual tiredness.
● Symptoms that feel different from previous panic attacks.
Even if you think that stress or panic may be involved, never ignore these signs of warning.
How Cardiologists Make a Diagnosis
One ECG is generally not sufficient to rule out a heart attack. Doctors use blood tests for high-sensitivity troponin to detect damage to the heart muscle that may not be detected on an initial ECG. Depending on the patient’s symptoms and risk factors, further investigations such as repeat ECGs, echocardiography or CT coronary angiography may be needed.
In cardiology, we say “time is muscle.” Every minute we delay can cause additional damage to the heart. Panic attacks are scary, but a heart attack can be deadly. If you develop any new, continuing or unusual symptoms, get emergency medical care right away – it could save your life.