When symptoms like sudden chest pain, rapid heartbeat, sweating, and a feeling of death appear, most people assume it’s a heart attack. However, this isn’t always a heart attack. In many cases, it could be a panic attack, whose symptoms closely resemble a heart attack. Therefore, it’s crucial to understand the difference between the two. Dr. Naveen Agarwal of Cardio Care explains that proper diagnosis and timely checkup can help identify the underlying problem and prevent serious complications.
According to Dr. Naveen Agarwal, panic attacks are often caused by mental tension, stress, or emotional pressure. However, sometimes panic attacks can occur without any apparent cause. The person experiences intense anxiety, increased heart rate, sweating, and shortness of breath. Sometimes, they even experience a fear of death. However, ECG, Echocardiography, and other tests may come back normal.
Heart attacks typically present with symptoms such as severe chest pain or pressure, pain spreading to the shoulder, arm, neck, or jaw, and difficulty breathing. People with high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, a history of smoking, or a family history of heart disease are particularly at increased risk.
Dr. Agarwal explains that the likelihood of a heart attack occurring solely from a panic attack is very low. Certain hormones in the body may increase during stress, increasing the risk. However, it’s difficult to predict whether a heart attack will occur. Therefore, starting heart medication solely because of a panic attack is not considered appropriate. If a person experiences frequent panic attacks, it’s best to consult a doctor and get a basic heart checkup, such as an ECG, Echocardiogram, and, if necessary, a treadmill test. Especially those over 30-35 years of age should have a cardiac exam once.
If severe chest pain persists, radiates to the arm or jaw, breathing becomes difficult, the person faints, or has pre-existing heart conditions, it should not be ignored as normal anxiety. In such a situation, it is essential to reach a hospital immediately.
Dr. Naveen Agarwal says that even with frequent panic attacks, most people can live a normal and long life. It is important to get a proper diagnosis and seek treatment as advised by a specialist instead of self-medication.