Many people confuse a heart attack with a panic attack, and although the early symptoms can be similar, both conditions greatly differ. This is why it’s important to learn the differences between the two, as they can be minimal and hard to recognize.
Continue reading the article below to learn the differences between the two events.
Panic attack
- Panic attacks occur due to a flood of adrenaline in the body.
- People with deep fears of heights may experience them more often.
- The increased production of adrenaline can freeze their body and lead to a panic attack, where they’ll feel hopeless.
- During a panic attack, the body’s survival instincts kick in – the heart rate increases so the muscles can get enough oxygen from the blood.
- The rush of blood to the nervous system during a panic attack can cause shivering, shortness of breath and excessive sweating, and will make you feel like your chest is going to explode.
- The hyperventilation occurs due to an attempt of delivering more oxygen into the bloodstream which is supposed to balance things out.
- The hyperventilation can also lead to disorientation and dizziness, which will make you exhale more carbon dioxide and lose the balance of oxygen and CO2 in the brain.
Heart attack
- The main symptoms of a heart attack are pain and tightness in the chest which can spread to the shoulders and jaw.
- A stinging sensation is not uncommon as well and may be accompanied by nausea or vomiting.
- The severity of the pain varies, and it can last from a few seconds to 5 minutes.
- When a heart attack reaches its final stage, the pain is confined to the left arm.
- Rapid breathing is also common as is hyperventilation.
- If you notice any of these symptoms, we urge you to call a doctor immediately in order to raise your chances of survival.
- A heart attack is a serious event which is often fatal, so it’s best not to ignore its symptoms.
