Both a panic (anxiety) attack and a heart attack can cause shortness of breath, sweating, or dizziness. Below are some of the factors that help to differentiate a panic attack from a heart attack. (Note that anyone having these symptoms should seek immediate medical help.)
More likely a panic attack:
- Sudden onset of fear or terror in conjunction with heart palpitations or chest pain
- Pain and discomfort tend to occur in the center of the chest
- Chest pain and other symptoms subside after 5 to 30 minutes
More likely a heart attack:
- Gradual onset (over several minutes) of pain, pressure, or tightness in chest and upper body
- Pain may occur in center of chest but may also radiate to upper body (arms, shoulders, or jaw)
- Symptoms last at least 15 minutes without subsiding in intensity and may continue for hours
Both a panic (anxiety) attack and a heart attack can cause
shortness of breath, sweating, or dizziness. Below are some of the
factors that help to differentiate a panic attack from a heart
attack. (Note that anyone having these symptoms...
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Dr. Anthony Komaroff answered:Both a panic (anxiety) attack and a heart attack can cause shortness of breath, sweating, or dizziness. Below are some of the factors that help to differentiate a panic attack from a heart attack. (Note that anyone having these symptoms should seek immediate medical help.)
