A panic attack or a heart attack: how to recognise the danger in time and save a life
Cardiology expert Andrew Mathias explains the key differences between a panic attack and a heart attack, which will help you seek help in good time.
A panic attack usually comes on suddenly and reaches its peak within a few minutes. It is an intense episode of fear, which may be accompanied by trembling, nausea and a feeling of suffocation. The main feature of this condition is that the symptoms usually disappear within 20–30 minutes, especially if you try to calm down or do some breathing exercises. Panic is often triggered by specific thoughts or situations, although sometimes it occurs for no apparent reason.
A heart attack, however, develops differently. Chest pain or pressure often appears gradually and only intensifies over time. In addition to discomfort in the chest area, a heart attack may cause pain radiating to the jaw, left arm, back or neck. Cold sweats and shortness of breath are also warning signs. Unlike a panic attack, the symptoms of a heart attack do not go away on their own and require immediate medical attention. A blockage in the blood flow to the heart is a medical emergency where every minute counts.
If you experience such symptoms, experts advise trying to take a few deep breaths. If breathing exercises help and the pain subsides, it was most likely a panic attack. However, if the chest discomfort worsens or does not go away within a few minutes, despite all attempts to calm down, do not delay. In such cases, the only correct course of action is to call the emergency services immediately, as self-treatment is not an option in the event of a heart attack
