When someone experiences sudden chest pain, rapid heartbeat, or shortness of breath, it’s easy to think they might be having a heart attack. But sometimes, these symptoms are caused by an anxiety attack, not a heart problem.
Both can feel terrifying, and the symptoms often overlap. Knowing the difference between the two can help people respond quickly and get the right kind of help.
A heart attack happens when blood flow to part of the heart is blocked, usually by a blood clot. This can damage the heart muscle and is a medical emergency.
Common symptoms include chest pain or pressure that lasts more than a few minutes, pain that spreads to the arm, back, neck, or jaw, shortness of breath, nausea, cold sweats, and lightheadedness. The chest pain often feels like a heavy weight or squeezing sensation.
An anxiety attack—also called a panic attack—is not caused by a blocked artery. Instead, it’s the result of the body’s “fight or flight” response going into overdrive. This can be triggered by stress, fear, or sometimes nothing obvious at all.
Symptoms include a racing heart, chest pain, shortness of breath, sweating, shaking, dizziness, and a feeling of losing control or fear of dying. These symptoms can come on quickly and usually peak within 10 minutes.
One of the main differences is the cause. A heart attack is a physical problem with the heart, while an anxiety attack is a response to emotional stress. But the two can feel very similar.
In fact, research published in the *Journal of Emergency Medicine* found that up to 25% of people who go to the emergency room with chest pain actually have panic disorder, not a heart problem.
Another clue is how long the symptoms last and what makes them better. Heart attack symptoms often don’t go away on their own and may get worse with activity.
In contrast, anxiety attack symptoms often go away within 20 to 30 minutes, especially with rest or calming techniques like deep breathing. However, it’s important not to ignore symptoms just because you think it’s anxiety.
Age and risk factors can also help tell the difference. Heart attacks are more common in people over 40, especially if they have risk factors like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoking, diabetes, or a family history of heart disease.
Anxiety attacks can happen at any age and are more common in people who have a history of anxiety, stress, or panic disorders.
Doctors may use tests like an electrocardiogram (ECG), blood tests, or a chest X-ray to check for signs of a heart attack. If these tests are normal and symptoms match anxiety, the doctor may recommend stress management or therapy. But since a heart attack can be life-threatening, it’s always better to be safe and seek medical help right away.
In summary, both heart attacks and anxiety attacks can cause intense and frightening symptoms. While there are some differences, only a doctor can confirm what’s really going on. If you or someone you know has sudden chest pain or trouble breathing, it’s best to call emergency services and let the professionals decide. Acting quickly can save a life.
If you care about mental health, please read studies about 6 foods you can eat to improve mental health, and B vitamins could help prevent depression and anxiety.
For more health information, please see recent studies about how dairy foods may influence depression risk, and results showing Omega-3 fats may help reduce depression.
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