From an interview with
Dr. Brian Wall
McLeod Cardiology Associates

Unfortunately, a panic attack and a heart attack are two health issues that have a lot of overlapping  symptoms. McLeod Cardiologist Dr. Brian Wall provides direction on what you should do if you’re unsure which you are having.

“You’ve likely seen the TV commercials where an individual has their fist clenched over their chest, acting as if they’re having a heart attack. But the truth is, only half of the people who have a heart attack are going to have that type of experience. The other half may have a racing heart or feel weak, faint, dizzy, have nausea or shortness of breath. People can experience those same symptoms when having a panic attack. So it does make it difficult to determine, at times, “Is this a panic attack, or is it a heart attack?”

I always explain to people that they are the biggest advocates for their own health. If you’re concerned about whether something is serious as it relates to your heart, or if it’s just a panic attack, let someone who is a trained healthcare professional figure that out for you. Just go to the emergency room and let them run the necessary tests. It’s usually an EKG, followed by some blood work that can let us know fairly quickly what we’re dealing with.

Heart attacks can be elongated situations. There are times in which we’ll call it ‘stuttering chest pain,’ in which you may have some pain that goes away. Then something may bring it back up 12 to 24 hours later. However, someone having a panic attack can have very similar experiences.

I am frequently asked, “What’s the difference between a massive heart attack and a minor heart attack?” A massive heart attack would pertain to individuals who may have had cardiac arrest with their heart attack. Also, if they have a large heart attack, it can cause the heart muscle to sustain damage that causes it not to function. That might lead to heart failure, in which the heart loses some of its strength and its ability to contract and push blood forward. With a minor heart attack, you shouldn’t see those types of things.

You’re better off going to the ER with a panic attack than staying home with a heart attack. Don’t take that chance with your health, especially if you have risk factors for heart disease. I always tell people, “Be your own advocate. Get to the doctor; get it looked at.”

To learn more, speak with a cardiologist near you.