Healthy Living

Panic Attacks vs. Heart Attacks: Understanding the Differences

Mar. 26, 2026

Key Takeaways

Panic attacks and heart attacks can share symptoms like chest pain, rapid heartbeat, and shortness of breath; but their causes are different.
Panic attack symptoms come on suddenly and often improve with calming techniques while heart attack symptoms tend to persist or worsen over time.
Heart attacks may also include arm, back, stomach, or jaw pain.
If chest pain lasts more than a few minutes or worsens, or doesn’t improve with rest, call 9-1-1 right away. When in doubt, seek care.

Can a panic attack feel like a heart attack? Oftentimes, yes. Panic attacks are alarming because the symptoms can mirror a life-threatening heart attack.

“It can be frightening because both conditions can bring chest pain, rapid heartbeat, and shortness of breath, and you can’t be sure what is happening,” said Andrew Mathias, MD, of University of Rochester Medicine Cardiac Care.

That’s why it’s important to understand the differences between the two and when to seek appropriate medical care.

What does a panic attack feel like?

Panic attacks are sudden, intense episodes of fear or overwhelming anxiety that can peak within minutes. Although some call them anxiety attacks, panic attacks are different from generalized anxiety.

They occur in response to stress, fear, or a specific trigger, but they can also come unexpectedly. They are more common in individuals with anxiety disorders but can happen to anyone.

How to calm down from a panic attack

Ranging from grounding methods to breathing techniques, there are many ways to respond to a panic attack to help reduce symptoms and calm your body down.

Arm yourself with the tools to help ahead of time.

During a panic attack, you may feel:

Chest pain or discomfort
Rapid heartbeat
Shortness of breath
Sweating
Trembling or shaking
Feeling of choking
Nausea or abdominal distress
Dizziness or lightheadedness

Panic attacks are more common in individuals with anxiety disorders, but they can happen to anyone.

What does a heart attack feel like?

A heart attack (myocardial infarction) occurs when blood flow to a part of the heart muscle is blocked, usually by a blood clot. This blockage prevents oxygen from reaching the heart. Symptoms can vary, but commonly include:

Chest pain or pressure
Ache in jaw or jaw pain
Arm, back, or neck pain or discomfort
Stomach pain or discomfort
Shortness of breath
Cold sweats
Nausea
Light-headedness or dizziness

Heart attacks are medical emergencies and require immediate treatment. If you suspect a heart attack, call 9-1-1 immediately.

How to tell the difference

The key differences between panic attacks and heart attacks are in the onset and duration of symptoms:

Is this a panic attack or a heart attack

Onset: Panic attacks start suddenly and peak within minutes. Heart attack symptoms often begin gradually and intensify.
Duration: Panic attack symptoms typically fade within 20–30 minutes. Heart attack symptoms last longer and do not go away without medical treatment.
Triggers: Panic attacks can be triggered by specific situations or thoughts, while external factors do not lead to heart attacks.
Response to Medication: Panic attacks may subside after anti-anxiety medications, whereas heart attacks require immediate medical care, such as clot-busting drugs or procedures to restore blood flow to the heart.

“If you're an anxious person or you’ve had a panic attack before, sit down and take some deep breaths or do some calming exercises. If the symptoms ease, it may more likely be a panic attack,” Mathias said.

If you have chest pain that persists or worsens after several minutes despite calming techniques, it’s best to get care immediately.

Get Heart Care in Rochester

University of Rochester Medicine leads the region in the number and scope of specialized services we offer. Our heart failure, heart transplant, and cardio-oncology programs are unique in this region. We are here to ensure that you get the very latest treatment for a wide range of cardiac care issues.

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