9 Min Read
Our bodies can sometimes play tricks on us, leaving us unsure of what’s really happening. Take heart attacks and panic attacks, for example, they can strike without warning, feel terrifyingly similar, and make it hard to know how to respond. This blog reveals the key differences between the two, from causes and symptoms to the right kind of care, so you can recognise what your body is telling you. Once you understand how each condition presents in the body, what each condition requires by way of care, you'll feel much more empowered to protect your heart as well as manage feelings of stress or anxiety.
Synopsis
What is a Heart Attack?
A heart attack happens when your blood flow to part of the heart muscle is suddenly blocked, usually by a blood clot. Without enough blood and oxygen, the heart muscle can become damaged. This is a medical emergency that needs urgent treatment. Common causes include a build-up of fatty deposits (plaque) in the arteries, which can break and form a clot. Recognising the signs quickly and getting immediate care can help save a life and reduce long-term damage.
What is a Panic Attack?
During a panic attack, the body suddenly reacts as if it is in great danger, even when there is no real threat. This can cause extreme feelings of fear and sensations of physical symptoms such as a racing heart rate, paralysis feeling in your chest, shortness of breath, disorientation, or dizziness. Panic episodes last for about ten minutes and are usually related to stress, anxiety, or specific triggers.
Symptoms of Heart Attack and Panic Attack
Yes, they can sometimes feel very similar. Both heart attacks and panic attacks may cause chest pain, a racing heartbeat, shortness of breath, and dizziness. Here are some common heart attack and panic attack symptoms:
|
Heart Attack Symptoms |
Panic Attack Symptoms |
|
Chest pain, pressure, or tightness (often in the centre or left side of the chest) |
Sudden, intense fear or sense of doom |
|
Pain spreading and radiating to the arm, neck, jaw, or back |
Rapid or pounding heartbeat |
|
Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing |
|
|
Feeling lightheaded, dizzy, or faint |
Chest discomfort or pain |
|
Cold sweats |
Sweating or chills |
|
Nausea or vomiting |
Trembling or shaking or tingling in feet |
|
Extreme tiredness |
Dizziness or feeling faint |
Recognising the signs of a heart attack early is vital, as quick treatment can save a life and reduce damage to the heart. Panic attacks can feel overwhelming, and their symptoms are often mistaken for those of a heart attack.
What Causes Heart Attacks?
A heart attack occurs when a part of the blood supply, which is supplying the heart muscle, is suddenly interrupted. For most people, the blockage comes from a build-up of fatty deposits, or plaque, that attaches to the wall of arteries, and you will find that most patients will have plaque. They may be patients who have a heart that is obstructed by something else, but the majority will have plaque.
A heart attack occurs when plaque undergoes a process that allows it to rupture off the surface, blocking blood flow. If this blockage is significant enough, the plaque can build into a clot. If there is no oxygenated (or oxygen-rich) blood flow coming to the heart muscle, the heart muscle will be damaged. There are some lifestyle factors and medical contributors that can elevate a person's chances of suffering a heart attack, and this is why avoiding these conditions and living a healthy lifestyle is important.
To summarize, some of the common causes of heart attack include:
-
Fatty deposits (plaque) inside the coronary arteries
-
Blood clot formation due to plaque ruptures
-
High blood pressure (hypertension)
-
High cholesterol (hyperlipidemia)
-
Smoking
-
Diabetes
-
Obesity or lack of exercise
-
Family history of heart disease
What Causes Panic Attacks?
Panic attacks occur when the body’s “fight or flight” response is triggered suddenly, even when there is no real danger. This response causes a rush of adrenaline, leading to intense physical and emotional symptoms. While anyone can experience a panic attack, certain factors can make them more likely. Understanding these triggers can help in also managing and reducing the frequency of attacks.
Common causes and triggers include:
-
Ongoing stress or anxiety disorders
-
Traumatic experiences or major life changes
-
Family history of panic attacks or anxiety
-
Phobias (such as fear of crowds or enclosed spaces)
-
Overuse of caffeine, alcohol, or certain drugs
-
Withdrawal from medication or substances
-
Medical conditions that mimic anxiety symptoms
Treatment for Heart Attack And Panic Attack
Heart attacks and panic attacks may feel alike, but their treatments are very different. A heart attack always needs urgent medical care, while panic attacks are managed with therapies, medicines, and lifestyle support. Here are ways for the treatment of heart attacks and panic attacks:
Heart Attack Treatment
A heart attack is a medical emergency and requires urgent hospital care. The goal of treatment is to mainly try to restore blood flow to the heart muscle quickly and prevent further damage. Treatments may begin in the ambulance and continue in the hospital. Long-term care is also important to lower the risk of another heart attack.
Heart attack treatment may include:
-
Emergency medicines to dissolve blood clots
-
Angioplasty and stent placement help open up blocked arteries
-
Surgery, such as coronary artery bypass, in severe cases
-
Oxygen therapy and pain relief
-
Long-term medicines (e.g., blood thinners, cholesterol-lowering drugs, beta blockers)
-
Lifestyle changes, which include a healthy diet, quitting smoking, and regular exercise
Panic Attack Treatment
Although panic attacks can be extremely unpleasant, no one has ever died from one. Treatment aims to manage panic attacks by decreasing how severe the panic attack symptoms are, decreasing the possibility of a panic attack happening again, and identifying and managing the underlying anxiety. Treatment may involve self-help, psychological therapy from a qualified professional, and sometimes medication. Your family, friends, and health professionals play a crucial role in the recovery process.
Panic attack treatment could include:
-
Breathing and relaxation techniques while having a panic attack
-
Talking therapies (e.g., cognitive behavioural therapy - CBT)
-
Medication as prescribed (e.g, antidepressants, anti-anxiety medications)
-
Changing behaviours (e.g, movement, physical activity, and sleep)
-
Reducing stimulants (e.g., coffee, alcohol, and cigarettes)
-
Stress management techniques (e.g, mindfulness, meditation, yoga)
-
Ongoing reassurance from support groups or counselling
Conclusion
It is a significant distinction to know the differences between heart attacks and panic attacks, particularly because although their symptoms can look the same, they have different responses. Quickly distinguishing a heart attack from a panic attack can, in some cases, save lives, and responding well to panic attacks can change someone's quality of life. People can decrease health risks by learning warning signs, living healthily, and responding promptly to medical and/or psychological care. Knowledge allows a person to feel empowered enough to respond calmly and to ensure that they are receiving the appropriate care when needed. If you or a loved one is experiencing heart-related symptoms or has concerns about heart health, don't wait, consult a cardiologist at Manipal Hospitals Kanakapura Road
to get expert guidance and care.
FAQ's
While panic attacks are not fatal events, they can be very similar to a heart attack. To be safe, visit your doctor if you have concerns.
Heart attack symptoms can vary from sudden to minutes or hours. Common signs include chest discomfort, shortness of breath, and sweating.
Yes! Eating healthy, maintaining a consistent exercise program, not smoking, and reducing stress can all lower your risk of future problems.
Most panic attacks will peak at about the 10-minute mark, and usually end after 20-30 minutes. You may continue to feel fear longer than the panic episode.
If it is your first panic episode, the symptoms seem overwhelming, or you are unsure if it is heart issues, seeking advice promptly is best.
Share this article on:
