[ad_1]
A heart attack and a panic attack share many similar symptoms, so determining which one is, experts say.
Chest pain, rapid heartbeat, shortness of breath and sweating can occur in either case, but only a heart attack can be fatal, according to a team at Penn State Health.
A heart attack occurs when a blockage in an artery restricts blood flow to the heart muscle. Symptoms persist until a person receives emergency medical treatment. During a panic attack, symptoms can last 20 minutes and then go away.
However, only a healthcare professional can confirm a heart attack or panic attack, so all common symptoms should be taken seriously, experts said.
Men 45 and older and women 55 and older have a higher risk of heart attack than younger men and women. Other people at high risk include people with high blood cholesterol and triglycerides, high blood pressure, obesity, diabetes, metabolic syndrome, or a family history of heart attack.
“If a young person without risk factors experiences chest pain, the likelihood of it being a heart attack is very low,” said Dr. Rajesh Dave, interventional cardiologist at Penn State Health Holy Spirit Medical Center, in a press release from Penn State.
“But chest pain in a 50-year-old man who is a longtime smoker with a 20-year history of diabetes is most likely a sign of a heart attack and in need of urgent medical attention,” Dave added.
Stress and anxiety are the main risk factors for panic attacks, but anxiety can also be associated with a heart attack.
Patients with a heart attack often have certain symptoms in the days or weeks before the attack, and heart attacks most often occur during physical activity. Panic attacks usually occur when a person is resting and can be caused by an anxiety trigger, such as receiving bad news.
People having a panic attack should sit in a quiet, dark place and take deep breaths to slow their heart rate.
Dr Michael Farbaniec, cardiologist at Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, said, “If you can’t tell if it’s a panic or a heart attack – or if you just want to be safe – call 911 and be seen immediately. “
You can lower your risk of a heart attack by eating a heart-healthy diet and getting regular exercise, Dave said. Panic attacks can be prevented through stress reduction techniques such as meditation and yoga.
“And quitting smoking will lower your risk of panic and heart attack,” advised Dave.
[ad_2]
Source link