Panic Attack vs Heart Attack: Learn the Critical Differences

Your heart is racing. Your chest feels tight. Is it a heart attack, or just a panic attack? At that moment, it’s hard to know, and it can be terrifying.

Panic attacks and heart attacks can feel strikingly similar, but they’re very different medical events. Knowing how to tell them apart is crucial, especially when every minute counts.

In this guide, we’ll break down panic attack vs heart attack symptoms, causes, duration, and warning signs, so you know when to seek emergency care and how to manage anxiety safely.

Table of contents

Panic Attack vs Heart Attack: Why the Confusion?

It’s not just in your head; panic attack and heart attack symptoms really can overlap. Both can cause:

Fear and anxiety can intensify these feelings, making it even harder to know if you’re facing a panic attack or heart attack anxiety episode.

That confusion is normal, even doctors sometimes need tests like ECGs or blood work to tell the difference. That’s why understanding the signs of panic attack vs heart attack is so important.

Panic Attack vs Heart Attack Symptoms

Here’s how you can start telling them apart.

Panic Attack Symptoms

Sharp or stabbing chest pain (often localized)
Rapid, shallow breathing (hyperventilation)
Tingling or numbness in hands or feet
Sweating during panic attack
Intense fear of dying, losing control, or going crazy

Heart Attack Symptoms

Crushing, squeezing, or heavy chest pressure
Pain radiating to the arm, jaw, back, or neck
Shortness of breath without a sense of panic
Cold, clammy sweat
Nausea, vomiting, lightheadedness

If you’ve ever wondered, Does panic attack feel like heart attack? The answer is yes, they can feel alarmingly alike. But these key differences can help guide you.

Panic Attack Duration vs Heart Attack Duration

How long symptoms last is another important clue.

Panic Attack Duration

Typically peaks within 10–20 minutes
Resolves gradually as the body calms down
It may come in waves, but generally improves with breathing or grounding

Heart Attack Duration

Lasts longer than 15 minutes
Often worsens over time without relief
Doesn’t improve with breathing exercises

If you’re experiencing chest pain that lasts longer than 15 minutes, treat it as a potential heart attack.

Panic Attack vs Heart Attack Causes

If you’re concerned about risk factors, Cardiology Care NYC offers heart health screening, cardiac screening, and cardiovascular screening to help you understand your heart health.

Understanding what causes each can also help you anticipate your risk.

Panic Attack Causes

Anxiety disorders (including generalized anxiety, panic disorder)
Stressful life events or triggers
Past trauma
Overactive fight-or-flight response

Heart Attack Causes

Blocked coronary artery (atherosclerosis)
Reduced blood flow leading to heart muscle damage
Risk factors: smoking, diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, family history

These panic attack vs heart attack causes highlight why it’s essential to know your personal health history and risk factors.

When in Doubt: Always Treat as a Heart Attack

Here’s the bottom line:

If you’re not sure whether it’s a panic attack or heart attack, call 911.

Cardiology Care NYC knows even doctors rely on ECGs and tests to be sure, so don’t take chances.

Call emergency services immediately if you have:

Chest pain lasting more than 15 minutes
Pain radiating to arm, jaw, and back
Shortness of breath not explained by panic
Nausea, vomiting, cold sweat

Remember, it’s always better to be safe than sorry.

Managing Panic Attacks and Anxiety

At Cardiology Care NYC, we may recommend tests like stress test, holter monitor, echocardiogram test, or blood pressure screening test if needed to assess your heart health.

If you know you struggle with anxiety or panic attacks, there are effective ways to manage them:

Breathing exercises: Slow, deep breathing can help regulate your system.
Grounding techniques: Try the 5-4-3-2-1 method (5 things you see, 4 you can touch, etc.)
Therapy: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and exposure therapy have excellent track records.
Medication: When recommended by a doctor, medications can reduce frequency and intensity.

If you’re facing panic attack or heart attack anxiety, working with a healthcare provider can help you develop a plan that keeps you feeling safer and more in control.

Conclusion

Panic attacks and heart attacks share some symptoms but are different; if you have chest pain or uncertainty call 911 immediately, and if you struggle with frequent anxiety or aren’t sure about your heart health talk to a doctor managing anxiety through therapy and lifestyle changes can help, and our NYC cardiologists are here to provide expert care and peace of mind. At Cardiology Care NYC, we help you navigate these concerns with expert evaluation and care.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can stress alone cause heart problems?

Chronic stress can increase blood pressure and heart disease risk over time.

How can diet affect heart health?

A balanced diet low in saturated fats and salt supports heart health.

Are heart palpitations always dangerous?

Not always, but frequent or severe palpitations should be evaluated.

Can hydration impact heart function?

Yes, dehydration can strain the heart and cause symptoms like dizziness.

Is family history important for heart health?

Absolutely, knowing family history helps assess your risk and guide screenings.

Source

Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center – Panic Attack vs. Heart Attack: How to Tell the Difference
American Heart Association – How to tell the difference between a heart attack and panic attack
Cleveland Clinic – How To Tell the Difference Between a Heart Attack and a Panic Attack
URMC – Panic Attacks vs. Heart Attacks: Understanding the Differences

Disclaimer

This blog is for informational & educational purposes only and does not intend to substitute any professional medical advice or consultation. For any health-related concerns, please consult with your physician, or call 911.