Panic attack vs heart attack symptoms
Pro Research Analysisby 
Searched over 200M research papers
Key Symptoms of Panic Attack vs Heart Attack
Panic Attack Symptoms: Chest Pain, Palpitations, and Anxiety
Panic attacks often cause sudden and intense symptoms such as a racing or pounding heartbeat, chest pain or tightness, shortness of breath, dizziness, nausea, sweating, trembling, and a strong fear of losing control or dying. These symptoms can appear without warning and may mimic those of a heart attack, making it difficult to distinguish between the two in the moment 123456. The most common physical symptoms during a panic attack are circulatory (like palpitations and chest pain), followed by respiratory symptoms (like labored breathing), numbness or tingling, dizziness, and gastrointestinal discomfort 16.
Heart Attack Symptoms: Chest Pain with Physical Causes
Heart attacks, on the other hand, are caused by a blockage in the blood supply to the heart. The classic symptoms include persistent chest pain or pressure (often described as a squeezing or heavy feeling), pain that may radiate to the arm, neck, jaw, or back, shortness of breath, sweating, nausea, and sometimes fainting. Unlike panic attacks, heart attack symptoms are usually triggered by physical exertion or stress and do not resolve quickly without medical intervention 45.
Overlapping Symptoms and Diagnostic Challenges
Similarities Leading to Misdiagnosis
Both panic attacks and heart attacks can cause chest pain, palpitations, shortness of breath, dizziness, and sweating, which often leads to confusion and misdiagnosis, especially in emergency settings or rural areas with limited diagnostic resources 23456. Panic attacks are frequently mistaken for heart attacks or other heart conditions, resulting in unnecessary medical tests and treatments 245.
Distinguishing Features
Panic attacks typically come on suddenly, peak within minutes, and are often accompanied by intense fear or a sense of impending doom. The symptoms usually resolve on their own within a short period. In contrast, heart attack symptoms tend to build up gradually and persist, often worsening with physical activity and not improving with rest 145. Panic attacks may also be triggered by psychological stressors, while heart attacks are more likely to be associated with physical risk factors like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or a history of heart disease 56.
Importance of Accurate Diagnosis
Consequences of Misdiagnosis
Misdiagnosing a panic attack as a heart attack can lead to unnecessary treatments and strain healthcare resources, while missing a heart attack diagnosis can be life-threatening 245. Proper training for healthcare providers is essential to recognize the unique features of panic attacks and distinguish them from cardiac events, especially in settings with limited access to diagnostic tools 245.
Conclusion
Panic attacks and heart attacks share many symptoms, especially chest pain and palpitations, making them difficult to tell apart without medical evaluation. Key differences include the sudden onset and rapid resolution of panic attacks, often with intense fear, versus the persistent and physically triggered symptoms of a heart attack. Accurate diagnosis is crucial to ensure appropriate treatment and avoid unnecessary interventions.
Sources and full results
Most relevant research papers on this topic