Knowing both their similarities and their stark differences can not only save lives but also reduce unnecessary congestion and patient overcrowding in emergency rooms.
So, let’s start...
A panic attack is a psychological reaction that occurs suddenly, decreases, and resolves on its own after a short time. While it rarely lasts longer than 30 minutes, for most people, it is typically limited to 3–5 minutes. It is an intense fear of something bad happening. It does not kill.
A heart attack, on the other hand, is a physical condition in which the blood flow to the heart's arteries is blocked. If left untreated, it can be fatal or cause severe long-term complications.
Both conditions involve intense fear, anxiety, and pain. However, the pain from a heart attack is distinguished by its spread to the left arm, shoulder, neck, and jaw. Unlike a panic attack, a heart attack does not resolve on its own but instead worsens over time and persists. In both conditions, chest pain and a sensation of pressure may occur. In a panic attack, the sensation of pressure is more dominant, while a heart attack feels like throbbing or pounding pain.
A heart attack can cause sudden fatigue so severe that even moving an arm can feel impossible.
In both cases, shortness of breath may occur, accompanied by a fear of suffocation or death. Nausea and dizziness are also possible. In either situation, the individual often feels unwell and has a strong urge to sit down and rest.
Both conditions are treatable. For a heart attack, treatment begins the moment emergency services are called. For those experiencing panic attacks, if it is not their first attack, they are generally familiar with the symptoms and can stay calm while practicing recommended exercises to ease their symptoms.
Both conditions can be prevented or managed by minimizing risks and adopting healthier lifestyles.
Hasan Durna
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