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How To Differentiate Between A Heart Attack And Panic Attack?
Question: I'm trying to work on my mental health as I suffer with panic disorder and health anxiety so I would like to have help with a few questions. I would like to know how I can decipher the difference between a heart attack and a panic attack as to me they have the same symptoms and sometimes my panic attacks don't go away for days. I obviously know that thus far I have not had one but how do I know for the future so I'm not going to the hospital everytime I have a panic attack I know these questions might seem a little irrational but I'm trying to work on my anxiety disorder
Brief Answer:
Following advice
Detailed Answer:
Hi and thank you for asking!
I read your query and understood your concerns.
First of all symptoms (especially chest pain) in a heart attack last with minutes 15-60 minutes. It never last with hours or days.
Anxiety related symptons last for longer periods.
Secondly patients with heart problems will have abnormal findings on cardiac exams (anxiety related symptoms have a normal heart).
Thirdly symptoms in anxious patients are relieved by anxiolitics (anxiolitics has no effects on heart attack).
If you were my patient I would recommend to do the following examinations (this will help you to reassure that everything is ok and to help relieving anxiety):
- Blood work
- Ecg
- Cardiac echo
- Stress test
Hope this will be of help!
Wish you health!
Dr. Shehu
Following advice
Detailed Answer:
Hi and thank you for asking!
I read your query and understood your concerns.
First of all symptoms (especially chest pain) in a heart attack last with minutes 15-60 minutes. It never last with hours or days.
Anxiety related symptons last for longer periods.
Secondly patients with heart problems will have abnormal findings on cardiac exams (anxiety related symptoms have a normal heart).
Thirdly symptoms in anxious patients are relieved by anxiolitics (anxiolitics has no effects on heart attack).
If you were my patient I would recommend to do the following examinations (this will help you to reassure that everything is ok and to help relieving anxiety):
- Blood work
- Ecg
- Cardiac echo
- Stress test
Hope this will be of help!
Wish you health!
Dr. Shehu
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
I've done all with all normal results. but read about scad and sudden random heart attacks. this is more my concern.
Brief Answer:
Following advice
Detailed Answer:
Hi back,
As long as the exams are XXXXXXX and you aren't a cocaine users you shouldn't worry about heart attack.
Please keep in mind that SCAD is a rare condition which most often is founded in:
1. women during delivery (giving birth),
2. athletes (extreme physical activity) and
3. cocaine abusers.
This is why you shouldn't worry about that since you has no risk factors for developing SCAD.
Wish you health!
Dr. Shehu
Following advice
Detailed Answer:
Hi back,
As long as the exams are XXXXXXX and you aren't a cocaine users you shouldn't worry about heart attack.
Please keep in mind that SCAD is a rare condition which most often is founded in:
1. women during delivery (giving birth),
2. athletes (extreme physical activity) and
3. cocaine abusers.
This is why you shouldn't worry about that since you has no risk factors for developing SCAD.
Wish you health!
Dr. Shehu
Note: For further queries related to coronary artery disease and prevention, click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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