Your heart races. You feel breathless. There’s a tightness in your chest. For many, this terrifying moment raises just one question: “Am I having a heart attack?” But sometimes, what feels like a heart attack may actually be a panic attack, and knowing the difference could save a life or calm
your mind. Both can feel alarmingly similar. That’s why understanding the warning signs, risk factors, and when to seek medical help is so important.
Why the Confusion Happens
Your heart races. You feel breathless. The human body reacts strongly to stress, fear, and emotional distress, sometimes so strongly that it mimics a heart-related emergency. Chest pain, sweating, dizziness, and shortness of breath are common to both panic attacks and heart attacks, which makes it difficult to tell them apart in the moment. But while a panic attack is rarely life-threatening, a heart attack requires immediate medical attention from a cardiologist.
What Is a Heart Attack?
A heart attack happens when blood flow to the muscles of the heart is blocked, usually by a clot or plaque buildup. Without oxygen, parts of the heart muscle begin to die. Time is crucial here. The longer it goes untreated, the more damage occurs.
Typical signs of a heart attack include:
● A deep chest pain and associated pain in the arms, jaw, back, or neck
● Shortness of breath
● Cold sweat
● Nausea or vomiting
● Dizziness or fainting
For women and older adults, there may be entirely different symptoms, such as fatigue, indigestion, or jaw pain.
What Is a Panic Attack?
A panic attack is an extreme instance of nervousness that becomes more extreme quickly. It doesn’t result from a physical blockage or damage to the heart, but the body’s response can feel just as intense.
Common symptoms of a panic attack include:
● Sudden chest pain or discomfort
● Rapid heartbeat or palpitations
● Difficulty breathing or a “choking” feeling
● Dizziness or lightheadedness
● Trembling or shaking
● A fear of losing control or dying
● Tingling in the hands or face
Unlike heart attacks, panic attacks are usually short-lived (around 10–20 minutes), and symptoms often subside on their own.
Key Differences to Help You Understand
Heart Attack
- Caused by blocked blood flow
- Pain often radiates to the arm/jaw/back
- May occur during physical exertion
- Sweating and nausea are more likely
- Needs immediate emergency care
Panic Attack
- Caused by stress or anxiety
- Pain usually stays in the chest
- Can happen at rest or during stress
- Hyperventilation more likely
- Often resolves on its own
But though these are the common symptoms, only a doctor can confirm what is happening. If there is even the slightest doubt, it is always safer to seek medical attention.
Listen to Your Body But Don’t Guess Alone
There are slight differences only between the two, and it will be very difficult to differentiate, especially if you have never experienced either before. Sometimes, people ignore a real heart attack, thinking it’s “just anxiety.” Other times, they live in fear of another panic attack, avoiding situations that may not be dangerous at all. This is why awareness matters. Knowing your risks, managing stress, and staying in tune with your heart health can empower you instead of frightening you.
How TMM Supports Heart and Mental Health Together
Tiruvalla Medical Mission (TMM) understands that your heart and mind are deeply connected. Our cardiologists in Kerala work alongside psychologists and primary care experts to give patients a full picture of their health, body, and soul.
If you are living with a heart condition or struggling with anxiety, TMM offers a multi-disciplinary approach grounded in compassion, accuracy, and advanced medical care. From diagnostic tests like ECGs and stress tests to mental health consultations, your health will be taken care of.
When in Doubt, Reach Out
No matter how informed you are, don’t try to diagnose yourself during a crisis. If you or someone you know experiences chest pain, shortness of breath, or fainting, call emergency services immediately. It might be a panic attack. It might be a heart attack. But in that moment, what matters most is getting help fast.
