Panic Attack or Heart Attack?  This is a very common question because the symptoms are similar.  They are not the same but similar.  Many people having a panic attack for the first time think they are having a heart attack.  Upfront, I just want to say that people don’t die from panic attacks.

One of the most well-known and key points in determining a heart attack is a shooting pain in the left arm. This usually occurs before cardiac arrest. And of course, you will experience chest pain, which can be anywhere from very light to excruciating.  Panic attacks are usually accompanied by labored, erratic breathing, abnormally fast heartbeat, sweating, and trembling. You shouldn’t really experience any pain in your left arm.

Panic attacks are often brought on by tremendous stress, sudden waves of heavy emotion such as fear or sadness, and just general nervousness. They can occur anywhere at anytime, whether you are feeling stressed at the moment or not. Some situations where you may have a panic attack include getting lost while driving, being in an overwhelming, highly populated area, worrying about a test, studying too much, etc.

Overall, panic attacks and heart attacks are often confused because of the similarity of symptoms, but depending on your age and health, it is usually only one or the other.

Remember that panic attacks often come with hyperventilation, overwhelming emotion, sweat, trembling, very fast and erratic heartbeat, and are usually stress related occurrences…heart attacks induce feelings of light-headedness and disorientation, shooting pain in the left arm, and chest pain.  Your heart isn’t being strained; it’s being thrown into a natural fight or flight response. Also, your heart isn’t what’s causing the panic attack – your mind is.

You will not die from a panic attack but just because you won’t die from a panic attack, doesn’t mean you should just live with the debilitating anxiety it creates. There IS help for you.Using the correct techniques and exercises, you CAN learn to control and even completely eliminate panic attacks.