Imagine this: a 45-year-old man named Kwame is sitting at his desk when he suddenly feels a heavy pressure in his chest. He starts sweating, feels dizzy, and his heart is racing. He thinks he’s having a heart attack—but later, he’s told it was a panic attack. This confusion is more common than you might think. Knowing the difference between a panic attack and a heart attack can be lifesaving.
Both conditions can feel very similar, especially in the moment. But they have different causes, treatments, and long-term implications. This guide will help you understand how to tell them apart and what to do in either case.
Kwame is a project manager in Accra. One Monday morning, he had just finished presenting a high-stakes report when he felt a tightness in his chest. The pain radiated to his left shoulder, and he broke into a cold sweat. Convinced he was having a heart attack, he asked a coworker to call for an ambulance.
At the ER, doctors ruled out a heart attack after ECG and blood tests. Instead, they diagnosed him with a severe panic attack—something he’d never experienced before. Kwame was relieved but also embarrassed. Could he have known the difference earlier?
Heart Attack Symptoms
A heart attack (myocardial infarction) happens when blood flow to the heart is blocked. It’s a life-threatening condition.
Common signs include:
- Chest pain or pressure that may radiate to the arm, neck, or jaw
- Shortness of breath
- Cold sweat
- Nausea or vomiting
- Lightheadedness or fainting
Heart attack pain is often described as a squeezing or crushing pressure, not sharp or stabbing. It typically comes on with physical exertion but can also happen at rest.
Panic Attack Symptoms
A panic attack is a sudden episode of intense fear that triggers physical reactions, even when there’s no real danger.
Common signs include:
- Rapid heart rate (palpitations)
- Chest tightness or pain
- Shortness of breath or hyperventilation
- Trembling or sweating
- Nausea or stomach upset
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Fear of dying or losing control
Panic attacks usually peak within 10–15 minutes and go away within an hour. They often occur at rest and may be linked to anxiety or stress disorders.
Key Differences: Panic Attack vs. Heart Attack
Key Differences: Panic Attack vs. Heart Attack
| Feature | Heart Attack | Panic Attack |
|---|---|---|
| Onset | Gradual or sudden | Sudden, often at rest |
| Chest pain type | Pressure, squeezing, radiating | Sharp, stabbing, localized |
| Associated symptoms | Sweating, nausea, jaw/arm pain | Fear, trembling, derealization |
| Duration | >15 minutes, does not improve with rest | Peaks within 15 mins, resolves gradually |
| Relief with breathing | No | Sometimes helps |
| Risk factors | Age, smoking, diabetes, hypertension | Stress, anxiety disorders, trauma |
When in Doubt, Call Emergency Services. The truth is, you may not be able to tell the difference without medical evaluation. It’s safer to go to the ER and be told it’s a panic attack than to stay home during a real heart attack.
Call 911 or local emergency services if:
You have crushing chest pain
The pain radiates to your arms, jaw, or back
You’re short of breath, dizzy, or faint
You have risk factors like high blood pressure or diabetes
Diagnosis in the ER
Doctors will typically:
- Perform an ECG
- Order blood tests (Troponin levels)
- Monitor oxygen levels and vital signs
- Possibly do a chest X-ray or echocardiogram
Panic attacks are diagnosed when all cardiac tests are normal, and symptoms match anxiety-related conditions. You may be referred to a mental health specialist for further care.
Aftercare: What Happens Next?
If it’s a heart attack:
You may be admitted for monitoring, medication, and possibly surgery (like angioplasty).
Long-term care will include lifestyle changes, medication, and follow-ups with a cardiologist.
If it’s a panic attack:
You may be prescribed anxiety medication or referred to therapy.
Managing stress and triggers is key.
Helpful actions:
- Keep a symptom diary
- Learn deep breathing and relaxation techniques
- Seek regular health check-ups
- High CPC keywords:
- heart disease prevention
- cardiac rehab programs
- mental health counseling
- best stress relief methods
Conclusion: While a panic attack may feel just as frightening as a heart attack, they require very different treatment approaches. If you or someone around you experiences sudden chest pain and uncertainty sets in, always seek emergency medical care. It’s far better to be cautious than sorry.
Learning to distinguish between the two can also empower you to take better care of your health and seek the right help when needed—whether that’s a cardiologist or a therapist.
Stay informed. Stay safe.