what are the true signs of a heart attack verse panic attacks an anxiety?

Answer 1

panic attacks last about 10 minutes. If you think you are having a panic attack it is best to accept it and not fight it. it will let down quicker. heart attack-left arm hurts, no rapid breath and confusion. very different. sounds like you are panicing b/c you are thinking you are having a heart attack. don't worry. they are very different

Answer 2

There are lots of sources on anxiety out there. Its a real chemical problem with relativelsy safe therapy available in SSRI's (Paxil etc.) However, a common cardiac arrythmia is often mistaken for anxiety. Its a reative benign problem caused by an accessory pathway (extra conduction tissue) in the heart. It causes a "feedback loop" with causes the heart to race. Generally the maximum heart rate achieved can be calculated by subtrating 220 by your age. (30 year old, goes to 190 beats a minute). This peak heart rate can be lower if you are on heart rate lowering medication such as a beta blocker like Atenolol. So, next time you feel like you are having an attack, take your pulse. If its less than 150 (unless you are 70yrs or older), then its probably a panic attack. If its highr than that, it may not be all in you head. Also, see if its regular or irregular. If its irregular consider Atrial Fibrillation as a cause. Ultimately if its happening several times a year you can get further investigations to confirm it by ECG, Holter monitoring and implantable loop recorders. For the last two, you need to see a cardiologist for it. The good news is that beta blockers are indicated for treatment of not only panic attacks, but also Atrial fibrillation and PSVT (paroxysmal supra ventricular tachycardia). So, even if the cause is not found, you are still being treated. Good luck.

Answer 3

Panic attacks are self limiting, usually cannot last longer than about fifteen minutes. Obviously the pain of a heart attack isn't going to go away. Now angina, which is cardiac pain but not necessarily a heart attack is virtually indistinguishable from a panic attack in my experience.

Answer 4

Sometimes the only thing that can show if it is a heart attack is the blood work. If your cardiac enzymes are off...then it's not a panic attack.

Answer 5

1. Chest Pain or Chest Discomfort
Few symptoms are more alarming than chest pain. In the minds of many people, chest pain equals heart pain.
2. Palpitations
Palpitations, an unusual awareness of the heartbeat, is an extremely common symptom.
3. Lightheadedness or Dizziness
Episodes of lightheadedness or dizziness can have many causes, including anemia (low blood count) and other blood disorders, dehydration, viral illnesses, prolonged bed rest, diabetes, thyroid disease, gastrointestinal disturbances, liver disease, kidney disease, vascular disease, neurological disorders, dysautonomias, vasovagal episodes, heart failure and cardiac arrhythmias.
4. Syncope (Fainting/Loss of Consciousness)
Syncope is a sudden and temporary loss of consciousness, or fainting. It is a common symptom - most people pass out at least once in their lives - and often does not indicate a serious medical problem. However, sometimes syncope indicates a dangerous or even life-threatening condition, so when syncope occurs it is important to figure out the cause.
5. Fatigue, Lethargy or Daytime Sleepiness
Fatigue, lethargy or somnolence (daytime sleepiness) are very common symptoms. Fatigue or lethargy can be thought of as an inability to continue functioning at one's normal levels. Somnolence implies, in addition, that one either craves sleep - or worse, finds oneself suddenly asleep, a condition known as narcolepsy - during the daytime.
6. Shortness of Breath
Shortness of breath is most often a symptom of cardiac or pulmonary (lung) disorders. Heart failure and coronary artery disease frequently produce shortness of breath. Patients with heart failure commonly experience shortness of breath with exertion, or when lying flat on their backs.

Answer 6

pain in chest,and arm.
you tend to not be able to talk as the pain is that bad.panic attacks and anxiety, are when your pulse rate is going fast and your breathing will change,sweats.