Is Heart Attack Different From Panic Attack?

Posted on Mon, 12 Jun 2017

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Mon, 12 Jun 2017 Answered on

Fri, 7 Jul 2017 Last reviewed on

Question : What's the difference between a heart attack and a panic attack.
Feeling discomfort rapid heart beat and almost faint like a panic attack after consuming food by 20 to 30 min. What could that be?

Answered by Dr. Bhanu Partap (1 hour later)

Looks more like a panic attack

Detailed Answer:
After going through the medical history provided by you I would like to tell you that patients with heart attack usually have chest pain or heaviness that last for a period of more than 20 mins and is usually relieved with the help of NITRATES.

Also for confirmation few tests needs to be done like ECG and cardiac markers.

However the chest discomfort in panic attack is usually transient it comes and goes by itself.

Sensation of fainting with chest discomfort after food is more of a panic attack scenario but ischeamia needs to be ruled out within the help of a ECG.

Hope this information will be helpful.

Kind Regards
Dr Bhanu partap

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T