Panic Attacks

Panic Attack vs Anxiety Attack vs Heart Attack

It can be distressing to experience symptoms that feel like a panic attack or a heart attack when you don’t know how to tell the difference.  These feelings often lead to the thought that  “I’m going to die.”  The good news is that it can be easy to tell the difference between the two once you know how.  

Panic Attack

Panic attacks happen when stress hormones trigger the body's "fight or flight" response, often resulting in a racing heart, chest pain and shortness of breath. A panic attack is the sudden response to the feeling of imminent danger. They can arise even when a person is at rest because the symptoms are triggered by thoughts.  

Panic attacks themselves are not a diagnosable mental disorder.  They occur as a result of another anxiety disorder.  By definition, a panic attack is an abrupt surge of intense fear or intense discomfort that reaches a peak within minutes and during which time four or more of the following occur:

Palpitations, pounding heart or accelerated heart rate.

Sweating

Trembling or shaking

Sensations of shortness of breath or smothering

Feelings of choking

Chest pain or discomfort

Nausea or abdominal distress

Feeling dizzy, unsteady, light-headed or faint

Chills or heat sensations

Numbness or tingling sensations

Derealization or depersonalization

Fear of losing control

Fear of dying

Anxiety Attack

The terms "anxiety attack" and "panic attack" are often used interchangeably, but in clinical terms, they may refer to slightly different experiences. However, it's important to note that the distinction between the two is not always clear-cut, and the use of these terms can vary.

An anxiety attack is not officially recognized as a diagnostic term in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), which is the standard classification of mental disorders used by mental health professionals. The symptoms commonly associated with an anxiety attack are often similar to those of a panic attack, but they may be less intense.

Anxiety attacks are generally characterized by a sudden onset of intense worry, fear, or apprehension.

The symptoms can include:

1. Excessive Worry: Individuals experiencing an anxiety attack may have overwhelming and uncontrollable worries about various aspects of their life or specific situations.

2. Restlessness: A sense of restlessness or feeling on edge may accompany an anxiety attack.

3. Muscle Tension: Physical symptoms such as muscle tension and discomfort are common during an anxiety attack.

4. Increased Heart Rate: While not as pronounced as in a panic attack, an anxiety attack may involve an elevated heart rate.

5. Difficulty Concentrating: Individuals may find it challenging to concentrate or focus during an anxiety attack.

It's important to recognize that anxiety attacks, like panic attacks, can vary widely in terms of duration and intensity. Some people may use the term "anxiety attack" to describe a milder or more prolonged form of anxiety, while others may use it interchangeably with "panic attack."

If someone is experiencing persistent or severe anxiety symptoms, seeking professional help from a mental health professional is advisable. A thorough assessment can help determine the nature of the anxiety and guide appropriate treatment, which may include psychotherapy, medication, or a combination of both.

Heart Attack

A heart attack results from a blockage in a coronary artery and may result in similar symptoms of chest pain, rapid heartbeat and shortness of breath because an insufficient amount of blood reaches the heart muscle.  Heart attacks are triggered by physical exertion.

So how do you know the difference?

A panic attack typically comes on due to a burst of stress or anxiety and crescendos within minutes.  It can occur even at rest and the pain will get better over time, often after about 20-30 minutes.

A heart attack usually comes on due to physical exertion.  The pain is typically a pressure in the chest as well as possible pain radiating down the arm or into the jaw or shoulder blades.  Heart attack pain will get worse over time.  

Often, people who experience panic attacks fear more attacks coming on so they try to avoid any circumstances that may trigger future attacks. This leads to what is called Panic Disorder.  

Panic Disorder

Panic disorder is diagnosed when an individual experiences recurrent unexpected panic attacks and at least one of the attacks is followed by one month or more of one or both of the following:

1) Persistent concern or worry about additional panic attacks or their consequences

2) A significant maladaptive change in behavior related to the attacks

And the disturbance is not attributable to the physiological effects of a substance nor is better explained by another mental disorder.