Narrator: Have you ever had moments where your heart is pounding, you can’t catch your breath, you’re nauseous, maybe even light-headed, you’re scared, and you wonder, am I having a heart attack or a panic attack?

What’s the difference? It can be hard to tell, because the symptoms are very similar, and while a panic attack might make you feel like you’re having a heart attack, an actual heart attack is a medical emergency that needs immediate intervention.

So let’s take a close look at the differences, starting with how they feel.

Between the two, the chest pain feels very different.

During a panic attack, the chest pain is usually sharp or stabbing and localized in the middle of the chest. Panic attacks come on quickly, and generally reach peak intensity in about 10 minutes. Symptoms include dizziness, trembling, sweating and a sense of losing control. But the hallmark is usually intense fear.

During a heart attack, the chest pain can be sudden and intense, or start slowly, with a mild pain or pressure that radiates to the arm, jaw or back, and gradually worsens. These episodes might come and go several times before the actual heart attack occurs.

A panic attack triggers what’s known as the fight or flight response, which is our body’s natural response to a perceived threat. When that happens, adrenaline is released into the bloodstream, causing a cascade of physiological changes, including a temporary rise in blood pressure.

A heart attack happens when the blood flow that brings oxygen to the the heart muscle is severely reduced or cut off, usually by a blockage of the coronary arteries.

Calling 911 and getting immediate treatment is critical.

Without prompt treatment, a heart attack can lead to serious complications, including permanent damage to the heart muscle, or even death.

You may wonder if a panic attack can cause a heart attack. In a word, no. A panic attack will not cause a heart attack.

Heart attacks are caused by a blockage in the blood vessels to the heart, but long-term stress and anxiety may play a role in the development of coronary artery disease.

Regardless of whether you suspect a panic attack or heart attack, doctors and psychologists agree: If you are feeling chest pain or pressure, you shouldn’t take any chances.

Call 911.

It is important to seek immediate medical attention. If you have questions about panic attacks versus heart attacks, I’d love to hear from you. Comment below, hit subscribe and join me here next time for answers you can trust.



This program is not intended to be a medical service. Never ignore professional medical advice in seeking treatment because of something you heard in this program. If you have a medical emergency, go to the emergency room of your local hospital or call 911 immediately.


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