Am I having a heart attack or a panic attack?

The symptoms of a panic attack – including chest pain, nausea or lightheadedness can resemble a heart attack, but there are some key differences. Dr. Eduardo Sanchez explains the symptoms and what to do if you experience them.

Watch House Calls: Real Docs, Real Talk for trustworthy information on managing health conditions and preventing heart disease and stroke. Hosted by Dr. Eduardo Sanchez, the chief medical officer for prevention at the American Heart Association, each episode features science-backed information and practical advice to help you live a longer, healthier life.

Los síntomas de un ataque de pánico, incluidos dolor en el pecho, náuseas o aturdimiento, pueden parecerse a los de un ataque cardíaco, pero existen algunas diferencias clave. El Dr. Eduardo Sánchez explica los síntomas y qué hacer si los experimenta.

[Convultus]

I got my first panic/anxiety attack when I was about to turn 20. I'm now turning 25 and from time to time, I'd get better and forget about it. Really sucks because of the sense of impending doom. I'm well aware that it is all just in my head as I'm still alive after all these years but there have been times when I could only get a 2-4 hrs of sleep in a day because I started getting them again.

[derekrupp]

Thank you so much for making this video! I was driving about 5 days ago and out of nowhere I got this overwhelming feeling of terror! My heart took off beating extremely fast and it felt like every other beat my heart was doing flip flops! I even called 911 to say I think I’m having a heart attack! The fire truck came followed soon after by an ambulance. I am 51 years old and I thought this is it! This is the heart attack my Mom always fears I’m going to have. My heart rate was 140 beats per minute and my blood pressure was 170 over 90. It turns out it was a panic attack not a heart attack! Oh my gosh it was one of the scariest worst experiences of my life! I had been stressed about finances and other things for months and it all came out at once! Out of nowhere!

[theworstchannelyouhaveever]

I had a panic attack like this happen last month. It was, honestly, a horrible experience, and I'm still struggling with it a month later. I wouldn't wish my worst enemy with this kind of anxiety.

[AshesAshes_BlushBlush]

It's so fucking scary.

Your pulse doesnt syncopate with the hearth rhythm so thats why people think theyre having a heart attack. It feels like your heart is stopping, and youre losing consciousness.

[Noodlebo]

I have severe anxiety I’m 20 had all my tests done 😂 doctor said I had early hypertensive heart disease changes caused by high blood pressure due to long term stress and depression and of course drugs I’ve quit for a year now tho so anytime it comes I feel it’s a heart attack at 20 lol I’m currently doing lifestyle therapy I’ve just been out off losartan but I still have severe anxiety and panic attacks too frequently

[TheDragonfly]

I recently had an episode and I’m unsure if it was a panic attack or heart attack. I suddenly felt unwell & off. I couldn’t catch my breath for hours. My hands feet & lips were tingling and I was so cold that I had 8 blankets on me & a heater. I was also almost delirious.
I had taken 2 aspirin at the onset, which didn’t help. I only got relief after I took an anxiety pill, which leads me to believe it was a panic attack.

[CountryStrong]

Ok I have a serious question. I have severe panic attacks A few years ago I literally thought I was having a anxiety attack: panic attack.
Y husband insisted I go to the Dr. I was sweating and I could literally feel my heart throbing I didn't think much of it because I have panic attacks a lot! But, to stop my husband from being worried i sent him to pay a bill & he dropped me off at the Dr. My heart rate was 243bpm everyone was freaking out but me. They called my husband & i wanted to leave. They inserted two iv's in each arm. Now im mad. They counted to 3 both RN's pushed a white substance in me at the same time! I felt my heart do like a burp or flip. I said Oh that feels a lot better! Everyone in shock! I was supposed to flat line but I felt just fine. I run a high heart rate. Seriously thought geez they are over reacting. I actually had a heart beat that had no where to go. I had an ablation done. Thats not happened again that high but. Its usually 140- 160ish normally. Its when my rate is at a regular beat that effects me. Do you understand any of this or have any advice? Id appreciate it. Btw I live in a little podunk town off the grid. If that helps any, lol Do you think I had a heart attack? They never said those words but, had life flight there. Actually the room was wall to wall ppl. I did tell them " seriously this happens Im having a anxiety attack
They said NO and began to take my shoes off me so i wouldn't leave. What are your thoughts Sir?

[AyseGullu-npep]

Is it possible for panic attacks to cause takotsubo syndrome? If it is possible, why don't adrenaline addicts, extreme athletes or people who exercise get broken heart syndrome? In both cases, the heart is working rapidly?

[stevelanghorn]

Helpful explanation, but I see several questions in these comments..some sounding desperate. Wouldn’t it be helpful if you could find the time to respond to them? Especially since you encouraged questions from your viewers (3:00)

[mikeyfinny]

I’ve had problems for awhile and I can’t tell the difference if I try to lay down and sleep I get multiple jolts my heart slows down to a scary speed so I wake up get up and panic my jaw sometimes hurts like gets tight and when I sit up I can feel it beating like at a slower rate can barely breathe through my nose sometimes hurts days I’m so scared I live alone too so it’s difficult for me not to take desperate measures

[jayalexander]

@american_heart I have a tricky question. I have done all types of test on my heart & many doctors have told me my heart is fine and doesn’t have any issues… they say I have a panic attack… however I feel impending doom, my neck hurts, as well as my jaw, back, & tingling/numbness in my left arm… but everyone tells me everything is okay with my heart. So, what’s the problem? What kind of panic attack causes those feelings, and if it is something else what could the doctors be missing?

[bobthegamer]

I just started getting Panic attacks it’s the worst feeling ever

[XhulioFier]

I have the symptoms of heart attack but is panic and anxiety disorder gone thru ecg multiple times tesoro the video is not accurate

[dannyrosario]

Thank you doctor I am in that situation where I just recently lost my job and have no medical insurance. I suffer from anxiety attack and was taking meds for it (gabapentin) but can't afford the meds now and I was having issues where I think I am now dealing with both the anxiety and now heart issues minus the arm and chest pain but what is different in my issue is that I am also feeling like on my left side ear there is a sense of pressure that comes and goes to the point that I have done peroxide and ear drops but to no avail it's very confusing to me the symptoms that I am going thru