The feeling that your heart is “about to jump out,” sudden fear, dizziness, shortness of breath — these symptoms can scare anyone. Often a person thinks: “I’m having a heart attack!” when in reality it’s a panic attack. But how do you tell the difference?
What is a panic attack?
A panic attack is a sudden surge of adrenaline — the stress hormone. The body reacts as if there is danger, even though no real threat exists.
Typical symptoms:
• sudden anxiety, fear of death
• heart rate 120–150 bpm
• trembling, sweating
• tightness in the throat, shortness of breath
• dizziness
• tingling in hands, cold extremities
• lasts 10–30 minutes, then gradually resolves
Most important: symptoms rise quickly and fade just as quickly.
How do heart problems present?
Symptoms of heart disease are usually related to physical exertion and have a clear physical cause.
Typical signs:
• chest pain that is pressing, squeezing, “heavy,” “like a stone”
• pain radiating to the left arm, shoulder blade, jaw
• appears during walking, climbing stairs, or emotional stress
• improves at rest
• may be accompanied by shortness of breath, sweating, weakness
• often lasts longer than 10–15 minutes and does not go away on its own
Important: in a real heart attack, panic can also appear — but the primary symptom is always pain.
Key differences
Onset
• sudden, without a clear reason — panic attack
• after exertion or stress — possible heart issue
Pain
• sharp, shifting, “moving around” — panic attack
• pressing, burning, pulling — possible heart issue
Duration
• 10–30 minutes with resolution — panic attack
• prolonged, not relieved by rest — possible heart issue
Heartbeat
• very fast, but rhythm regular — panic attack
• possible irregular beats or arrhythmia — heart issue
Fear
• very intense — panic attack
• may occur but not the main symptom — heart issue
Relief
• breathing techniques, fresh air — panic attack
• nitroglycerin or rest — heart issue
When should you seek medical help immediately?
• chest pain that is pressing and lasts more than 10–15 minutes
• pain radiates to the left arm or jaw
• severe weakness, cold sweat
• symptoms like this for the first time in your life
• diabetes, high blood pressure, smoking, family history
When is it more likely a panic attack?
• previous ECG and tests were normal
• pain is sharp, shooting, or changes location
• appears at rest or after emotions
• improves after breathing or distraction
• occurs repeatedly in similar stressful situations
What to do during a panic attack?
• inhale for 4 seconds → exhale for 6 seconds
• sit down and lean back
• focus on objects around you (grounding technique)
• tell yourself: “This will pass, this is safe”
• splash or wash your face with cool water
The main rule
If you’re unsure — get checked. Panic attacks do not harm the heart, but the symptoms can mimic heart problems and cause fear. After seeing a doctor and completing necessary tests (ECG, Echo, labs), it becomes much easier to distinguish the two and manage your condition.