Panic Attacks vs. Heart Attacks

Anxiety and heart conditions share many of the same symptoms, but they are very different health concerns. Anxiety, or panic attacks, are the body’s natural response to a fight-or-flight situation, while heart attacks occur when blood is unable to flow through the heart’s arteries, depriving the body of oxygen.

Take this quiz to test your knowledge on the differences between a heart attack and anxiety.

Quiz Questions:

What does chest pain from a heart attack feel like?

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Correct!

Most heart attacks involve discomfort in the center of the chest that lasts more than a few minutes, or that goes away and comes back. It can feel like uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, fullness or pain.

Chest pain

 

What does chest pain from anxiety feel like?

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Correct!

Anxiety chest pain is frequently described as a sharp, stabbing sensation that starts suddenly, even if the person is inactive. However, the person may be feeling stressed or anxious already before the chest pain begins.

Anxiety pain
Which of the following is not a symptom of a heart attack?

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Correct!

The major symptoms of a heart attack are:

  • Chest pain or discomfort
  • Feeling weak, lightheaded or faint 
  • Pain or discomfort in the jaw, neck or back
  • Pain or discomfort in one or both arms or shoulders
  • Shortness of breath
Heart attack

 

Which of the following is not a symptom of a panic attack?

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Signs of a panic attack include:

  • Chest pain
  • Chills
  • Choking or smothering sensation
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Fear of losing control
  • Feeling like you’re going to die
  • Intense feeling of terror
  • Nausea
  • Racing heart
  • Sweating
  • Tingling or numbness in fingers or toes
  • Trembling or shaking
Panic attack
Which of the following is a common symptom in both heart attacks and panic attacks?

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Common symptoms that may affect patients with either a panic or heart attack include chest pain, shortness of breath, dizziness, sweating, passing out, tingling, or a sensation of impending doom.

How long does a panic attack usually last?

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A panic attack usually lasts 20 to 30 minutes, hitting its peak at about 10 minutes in.

Anxiety attacks rarely cause vomiting.
Correct!

Anxiety attacks can cause you to feel nauseous, but rarely cause vomiting. 

Nausea

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Heart attack pain can occur in the back or shoulders.
Correct!

A heart attack can cause pain or discomfort in the following areas of the upper body:

  • One or both arms
  • Back
  • Neck
  • Jaw
  • Stomach
Shoulder pain

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Which heart conditions can cause prolonged anxiety?
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When someone is anxious, their body reacts in ways that can put an extra strain on their heart. The physical symptoms of anxiety can be especially damaging among individuals with existing cardiac disease.

Cardiologist

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Heart Attack (Myocardial Infarction) is a Medical Emergency

If you think you may be experiencing a heart attack, call 9-1-1 immediately so that treatment can start as soon as possible. Do not drive yourself or wait for a ride from a friend or family member. Have an ambulance take you to a hospital that is a cardiac receiving center right away.

Resources

MemorialCare Heart & Vascular Institute
Find a Heart or Vascular Specialist
Heart Risk Assessment