How do I know the difference between a heart attack and an anxiety attack?

Question

I am 21 years of age and am constantly plagued with what my doctor calls "anxiety". I have had all tests done and everything comes up normal. It has gotten worse and worse. I can swear sometimes it really is my heart and something is wrong. I can feel it clenching, and I get light headed, hard to breathe. How do I know this really just anxiety?

Answer 1

First off, heart attacks are very rare in your age group.
Has the doctor prescribed anything for the anxiety? If not, you need to ask for it. If so, you need to take the medication.
There's no reason to suffer like this.

Answer 2

Heart Attacks are usually accompanied by numbness in the arm, pain in the jar and between shoulder blades and the pain doesn't go away. It's probably just an anxiety attack you're having, however you have to speak to the doctor again, because those attacks, especially if they happen a lot, are mainly caused by stress or some underlying problem that your subconscious is trying to deal with and can't. You either need some counselling or an anti depressant to ease it. It can be quite debilitating if the attacks don't stop. Make another appointment ASAP. Because it is not good for your heart, to have constantly raised heart beats which might in the future turn to atrial fibrillation.

Answer 3

The symptoms that you describe indicates a anxiety attack. A heart attack will start with pain and fullness in the chest, and intensifies as time goes on, this is caused by lack of oxygen to both the heart and brain. If your doctor said it was anxiety, then take his word for it. Thats what those tests were for, and you said they came up normal. You need to do some tests, and find out why you're having anxiety attacks. Keep a eye on this problem, and do as your doctor tells you.

Answer 4

I have had a heart attack and it put me on the floor.There was a pain in my chest and it got worse.Fortunately my sister called 911 and i got help.

Answer 5

Please see someone about your anxiety symptoms-have your dr refer you to a mental health professional.

It is unlikely that you are having a heart attack-more likely panic attacks that will require specialized treatment.

Answer 6

please read this book by dr. clair weeks,it's called "peace from nervous suffering"it will answer your questions,it's a great book,very helpful,try the library