Your heart is racing, and you feel pain in your chest. Is it a heart attack or a panic attack?

Distinguishing between the two can be difficult, as there’s an overlap in symptoms associated with heart attack and panic attack.

Can a panic attack cause a heart attack?

A panic attack will not cause a heart attack. A blockage in one or more of the blood vessels to the heart, which leads to an interruption of vital blood flow, causes a heart attack.

Although a panic attack will not cause a heart attack, stress and anxiety might play a role in the development of coronary artery disease.

A panic attack is an intense period of fear and anxiety that can have environmental triggers, but may also occur without any known warning.

A heart attack is a completely different event altogether. During a heart attack, blood flow to the heart is blocked. The clinical term is myocardial infarction (MI). The interrupted blood flow can ultimately damage or destroy part of the heart muscle.

Although a panic attack may feel very uncomfortable, it is not life-threatening. Panic attacks can interfere with a person’s quality of life, so they should seek appropriate treatment.

A doctor can help treat anxiety and panic attacks with various techniques, including lifestyle modifications, medication, and counseling.

In some cases, a heart attack can be life-threatening. With prompt treatment, many people survive a heart attack.

As the symptoms of panic attacks and heart attacks are similar, it is always best to seek immediate medical attention when in doubt.