what is the difference between a heart attack and anxiety pain in the chest?
109168
The rule of thumb is this...If you have chest pain, get to a doctor or hospital for EKG and blood tests immediately.  If it is not heart problems....GRRREAT!  If it is, you need to be treated quickly.  Anxiety can cause similar symptons as an MI and if you blow off your discomfort as nothing but anxiety....it may be the last thing you do.  A heart attack does damage to your heart...you only have one heart, do NOT diagnose your own problem!
624313
A panic attack is a period of intense fear or discomfort, typically with an abrupt onset and usually lasting no more than thirty minutes. Symptoms include trembling, shortness of breath, heart palpitations, sweating, nausea, dizziness, hyperventilation, paresthesias (tingling sensations), and sensations of choking or smothering. The disorder is strikingly different from other types of anxiety disorders in that panic attacks are very sudden, appear to be unprovoked, and are often disabling. An episode is often categorized as a vicious cycle where the mental symptoms increase the physical symptoms, and vice-versa.\n\nMost who have one attack will have others. People who have repeated attacks, or feel severe anxiety about having another attack, are said to have panic disorder.
506429
Anxiety and Depression are the most common psychiatric disorders.\nYour symptoms are suggestive of Panic Attacks, discrete periods of fear or\ndiscomfort with characteristic symptoms that develope abruptly and reach a\npeak within 10 minutes.\nThe characteristic symptoms of Panic Attack are pounding heart rate,\nsweating, trembling, sensation of shortness of breath, chest pain,\nnausea, dizziness, fear of losing control and fear of dying.\nDepression may be secondary to the attacks or may worsen the attacks,\nThe symptoms of depression maybe depressed mood, disturbance of sleep or appetite, decreased interest, feelings of worthlesssness or hopelessnes.\nAn MRI would not aid in the diagnosis of depression or anxiety.\nI recommend an evaluation by a psychiatrist.\nhttp://www.aafp.org/afp/20050215/733.html\n\nDevelopment of Panic Disorder\n\nHow do panic symptoms develop? A phobia of internal sensations is thought to drive the patient's avoidance behavior. In addition to neurochemical and genetic models for the disorder, some researchers have proposed a cognitive model, in which patients learn to misinterpret thoughts and emotions as physical symptoms. For example, a woman who is afraid of being left alone when her husband leaves for work may experience that fear physiologically (e.g., shortness of breath, sweating), which in turn makes her feel more anxious ("What is wrong with me?"), deepening the spiral and leading to more symptoms. Another theory is that patients escalate otherwise benign body sensations into panic attacks (the behavioral model). For example, a man whose heart rate accelerates when he becomes angry may escalate that sensation and the resulting anxiety into the chest pain of a "heart attack." Both examples demonstrate the patient's phobia of internal sensations.\n\nTreatment\n\nPatients with panic disorder have several treatment options. Determining which treatment is best for a given patient is done through a shared decision-making process between the patient and physician. A suggested approach to treatment is outlined in Figure 1.\n\nFigure 1\nhttp://www.aafp.org/afp/20050215/733.html\nTreating Patients with Panic Disorder\n\n--------------------------------------------------------------------------------\n \n  \n\n--------------------------------------------------------------------------------\n\nFigure 1. Algorithm for the treatment of panic disorder. (DSM-IV = Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th ed.; CBT = cognitive behavior therapy.)\n \n\nantidepressants\n\nAntidepressant medications have been shown to reduce panic severity, eliminate attacks, and improve overall quality-of-life measures in patients with panic disorder.3 Two recent meta-analyses9,10 found that selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) are equally effective in reducing panic severity and the number of attacks. In these studies, 61 percent of patients were panic-free after six to 12 weeks of treatment, compared with 41 percent of control patients. These studies differ on whether SSRIs are better tolerated than TCAs. An earlier meta-analysis11 found SSRIs to be superior to TCAs. However, the benefits of SSRIs may have been overstated in the latter study because of its failure to account for publication bias (i.e., the greater likelihood that small studies finding no difference between treatments will not be published). \n\nTable 212 lists dosing and cost information for the antidepressants that have been proved in randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to be effective in the treatment of panic disorder. The choice of antidepressant should be based on side effect profiles and patient preferences. Monoamine oxidase inhibitors also are effective in the treatment of panic disorder, but their use is limited by safety concerns.\n\ncognitive behavior therapy\n\nCognitive behavior therapy includes applied relaxation, exposure in vivo, exposure through imager
759019
When I have an anxiety attack, I feel like my heart is going to pulse right out of my chest, I feel like I can't get enough air, I start to sweat, I can't focus on anything (like total meltdown), and I feel like I'm being closed in.  I feel like I'm going to puke, and I feel like my stomach is on fire.  That's what I feel.\n\nThe clinical definition of a panic attack is:\n\nA panic attack is a severe attack of anxiety and fear which occurs suddenly, often without warning, and for no apparent reason. Various other symptoms then occur during a panic attack. These include one or more of the following:\n\nPalpitations or a thumping heart. \nSweating and trembling. \nHot flushes or chills. \nFeeling short of breath, sometimes with choking sensations. \nChest pains. \nFeeling sick. \nFeeling dizzy, or faint. \nFear of dying or going crazy. \nNumbness, or pins and needles. \nFeelings of unreality, or being detached from yourself.\nThe physical symptoms that occur with panic attacks do not mean there is a physical problem with the heart, chest, etc. The symptoms mainly occur because of an 'overdrive' of nervous impulses from the brain to various parts of the body during a panic attack.\n\nDuring a panic attack you tend to over-breathe (hyperventilate). If you over-breathe you 'blow out' too much carbon dioxide which changes the acidity in the blood. This can then cause more symptoms such as confusion and cramps, and make palpitations, dizziness, and pins and needles worse. This can make the attack seem even more frightening, and make you over-breathe even more, and so on.\n\nA panic attack usually lasts 5-10 minutes, but sometimes they come in 'waves' for up to two hours.\n\nWho gets panic attacks? \nAt least 1 in 10 people have occasional panic attacks. The tend to occur most in young adults. Twice as many women than men have panic attacks. Anyone can have a panic attack, but they also tend to run in some families.\n\nWhat causes panic attacks? \nPanic attacks usually occur for no apparent reason. The cause is not clear. Stressful life events such as a bereavement may sometimes trigger a panic attack.\n\nDealing with a panic attack\n\nTo ease a panic attack, or to prevent one from getting worse:\n\nbreathe as slowly and as deeply as you can. Concentrate on breathing. \nbreathe into a paper bag. By doing this you re-breathe your own carbon dioxide. This helps to correct the blood acid level that had been upset by over-breathing which makes symptoms worse (described above).\nWhat is the treatment for a panic attack?\n\nNo regular treatment is needed if you have just an occasional panic attack. You may find it helpful to:\n\nunderstand about panic attacks, and the cause of the symptoms. \nknow that any physical symptoms which occur do not mean that you have a serious disease. For example, some people find it helpful to know that the palpitations or chest pains they had during a panic attack were not due to a heart or chest problem. \nknow how to deal with a panic attack (see above).\nIf you have frequent or recurring panic attacks, this is called panic disorder. Treatment to prevent panic attacks is an option if you develop panic disorder. See a separate leaflet called 'Panic Disorder'.
158244
I had anxiety problems once in awhile and I just told a doctor. He gave me medication for any time the feeling accured. I also learned that when I had anxiety attacks, which wasnt often, to breathe in a paper bag for awhile. The carbon dioxide you breathe in, with less oxyagen in you system calms you down. Hope I helped you out. advise, see a doctor for sure.
1093088
Being in the air conditioning hurts my chest pretty bad, I can't be in it for too long. They say you shouldn't take any chance with chest pain though. Does it happen at any particular time of the day, or when you're doing anything? Do you get short of breath or dizzy or have any other symptoms? It could just be something as simple as angina or stress, but it's best to have it checked out.
931856
been there.........you didnt have a panic attack, but your blood pressure most likely sky rocketed!!! The result is chest pains, shortness of breath, kinda tight around your chest. You were pissed, REALLY pissed.
368620
Angina--which when used alone refers to angina pectoris--is a type of chest pain that is symptomatic of underlying heart problems. It is the direct result of a lack of blood to (or ischemia) an area of the heart muscle (or myocardium), but this ischemia is temporary. A heart attack--technically known as a myocardial infarction--is when a coronary artery in the heart becomes completely occluded and this cuts off the blood supply to a part of the heart muscle permanently. Thus, the essential difference is that angina is temporary and a heart attack is permanent. Both result from ischemia of some area of the myocardium.
84230
When you start stressing out or worrying alot or have anxiety your chest starts hurting and when you talk about what your prob is and get it out in the open your chest feels better so thats why we say gotta get this off my chest..
1053292
during a panic attack your intercoastal muscles that attach your sternum to your ribs tighten - can almost mimic a heart attack
147248
You definitely need to see your doctor.   These symptoms could be a variety of things, including heart attack as mentioned, but also gall bladder attack, though gall bladder attack doesn't usually last more than an hour or so.  Panic attacks might also be a possibliity.  In any case it is DEFINITELY something not best answered here but at your doctor's office!!!!!!
736629
Chat with your doctors and or hospital.  I go to a free stress class to help with depression, anxiety, and stress.  I have had a heart attack.  Also you might want to contact a threapist for one on one threapy.  I am also happy to be alive and not feeling depressed.
377893
Yes, definitely see your doctor. Anxiety, depression, ADD, and the like are complicated and are many times just the body and brain reacting to either an inherent or temporary chemical imbalance. Stress, in general, can hurt your arteries regardless of your coronary health.  You may also have a sleep disorder that you are unaware of. \n\nI had funny things happening in my chest and it scared me to death. The problem actually went away, but the doctor said that it was a normal expression of abnormal stress. It wasn't even a rough period I was going through. Although he didn't put me on medication, you may need it, and there are plenty of good, tested over time, anti-depressants/antianxietal drugs such as Wellbutrin XL that are for people who are dealing with anxiety but are still quite able to function in day to day life. So, no Prozac or Zoloft would be needed here... \n\nbut DEFINITELY go to the doctor to eliminate anything regarding your coronary system. But, like I said, if you are in good health otherwise, don't jump to conclusions about your heart and follow your intuition: Yes, it is possible to have mild anxiety all the time. You are not crazy, you are normal, and there are things that will help you...
437074
During a heart attack, there is a blockage in a blood vessel in your heart.  Part of you heart doesn't get blood and oxygen, so it dies.  In a stroke, there is a blockage in a blood vessel in your brain.  Part of your brain can't get blood and oxygen, so it dies.  In serious cases, the blood vessel can actually burst open.  In either case, you've got serious problems.
1133176
There is a lot of misinformation here.  I'm an EMT/Paramedic in an ER and I've personally treated many, many heart attacks as well as other cardiac problems.\n\nFirst of all, there is no "guarantee" that you would experience left arm pain, pressure in the chest, difficulty breathing, or even chest pain when you have a heart attack.  These are some of the "textbook" symptoms, but not everyone will experience the same signs and symptoms.  In fact, women tend to have very atypical symptoms.  Many people suffer "silent" heart attacks, where no significant symptoms are present.\n\nSecond, when you have a heart attack, that does not mean that your heart has stopped beating (cardiac arrest).  In most heart attacks, cardiac arrest does NOT occur.  A heart attack simply means that a part of your heart tissue is experiencing damage, often due to a blockage of one of the coronary arteries that provides blood (and oxygen) to the tissue.  The earlier it is detected and treated, the more favorable the outcome.  \n\nIf you think you have experienced anything that could be cardiac, I would recommend that you see your physician ASAP.  They will probably perform an EKG (electrocardiogram) to look for abnormalities in your rhythm that may be indicative of a cardiac issue, and they will probably test certain enzyme levels in your blood (CKMB and troponin) which can also indicate a cardiac event.\n\nHowever, I would be very cautious of trying to get serious medical advice here.  I've seen a lot of poor advice and misinformation given in this category (and in this thread, for that matter).
734383
<>You leave out a wealth of information, such as your age and medical history, but....While these are probably very benign pains associated with, say, exercise, muscular contractions, or even stress, any chest pain that bothers you is worthy of being checked.  I say go see a doctor and ask about them.  That way, you can have a clear conscience if he/she can explain them to you.
456001
What is an anxiety attack? An anxiety attack is a short period of strong fear that happens for no reason that you know of. An anxiety attack is also known as a panic attack. An anxiety attack can be a one-time event, or can become an ongoing problem. If you have two or more anxiety attacks in a month, you may have a condition called panic or anxiety disorder. If anxiety attacks become severe (very bad), they may keep you from living a normal life. \n\nWhat causes anxiety attacks? \n\nCaregivers do not know for sure what causes anxiety attacks. Sometimes they are caused by being in a situation that you find upsetting. You may have them due to a stressful life event, such as getting divorced. You are more likely to have anxiety attacks if you also have another mental health problem. Other mental health problems include depression (feeling very sad most or all of the time), or alcoholism (abusing alcoholic drinks). Anxiety attacks may happen for no reason. Anxiety attacks can happen to anyone, regardless of age or gender.\n\n\nSome health conditions or medicines may cause anxiety attack symptoms. Using or withdrawing from alcohol or illegal drugs may also cause symptoms. Some people have anxiety attacks that are triggered (started) by the fear of having a future anxiety attack. You are more likely to have anxiety attacks if someone in your family also has them. \n\nWhat are the signs and symptoms of an anxiety attack? \n\nThe symptoms felt during an anxiety attack can feel like symptoms of a serious health problem, such as a heart problem. On the other hand, some serious health problems can cause anxiety attacks, such as heart or breathing problems. Have your symptoms checked by a caregiver to make sure they are not caused by a serious health problem.\n\n\nThe main symptom of an anxiety attack is extreme fear. Other signs and symptoms are different from person to person. The same person may even have different signs and symptoms during repeat anxiety attacks. Signs and symptoms usually do not last longer than 30 minutes. Besides fear, other signs and symptoms of an anxiety attack may include:\n\n\nChest pain.\n\n\nDizziness, or feeling light-headed.\n\n\nFear of losing control or doing something embarrassing.\n\n\nFeeling of being out of touch with people or things around you.\n\n\nHaving a feeling of doom, which is feeling like something very bad is going to happen. You may feel like you are about to die.\n\n\nHeart palpitations (pal-pi-TAY-shuns), which is becoming suddenly aware of your heartbeat. You may feel like your heart is pounding, or beating too fast.\n\n\nSweating, trembling, or having hot or cold flashes.\n\n\nStomach discomfort or upset which may include nausea (feeling sick to your stomach) or diarrhea (loose, watery BMs).\n\n\nNumbness (loss of feeling) or tingling in your hands or feet. You may have numbness or tingling of your lips or around your mouth.\n\n\nYou may feel like you cannot breathe. Some people may hyperventilate (heye-per-VEN-ti-layte) during an anxiety attack and not even notice it. Hyperventilation means that your breaths are too fast and shallow. Breathing this way can cause numbness or tingling in your hands and lips. Your fingers or toes may have cramping, or even curl up. During an anxiety attack, focus on taking very slow, deep breaths. You may need a friend or loved one to help you do this by breathing with you. Your caregiver may show you how to breathe in and out of a paper bag when you hyperventilate. Never use a plastic bag. \n\n\nWith panic or anxiety disorder, you may have anxiety attacks that happen often. These attacks often come without reason or warning. You may be troubled with a fear of having another anxiety attack. You may have a lot of anxiety attacks, followed by weeks or months without having any.\n\n\nSome people become so fearful of having anxiety attacks that they are afraid to leave their house. This is called agoraphobia (ag-or-ah-FOH-bee-ah). People with agoraphobia m