Are panic attack and heart attack symptoms the same? How does one tell the difference?

No, panic attack and heart attack symptoms are not always the same, but they ARE similar. One of the most well-known and key points in determining a heart attack is a shooting pain in the left arm. This usually occurs before cardiac arrest. And of course, you will experience chest pain, which can be anywhere from very light to excruciating. Panic attacks are usually accompanied by labored, erratic breathing, abnormally fast heartbeat, sweating, and trembling. You shouldn't really experience any pain in your left arm, which tends to be synonymous of a heart attack, but don't rule out that possibility. And don't worry if you're having a panic attack either...it doesn't mean you're having a heart attack. By worrying that you are having a heart attack during a common panic attack, you will increase your stress and possibly worsen your current condition.

Panic attacks are often brought on by tremendous stress, sudden waves of heavy emotion such as fear or sadness, and just general nervousness. They can occur anywhere at anytime, whether you are feeling stressed at the moment or not. Some situations where you may have a panic attack include getting lost while driving, being in an overwhelming, highly populated area, worrying about a test, studying too much, etc. The undocumented but mostly agreed diagnosis is that women are much more prone to panic attacks than men, so keep that in mind also.

Another condition with symptoms similar to heart attacks and panic attacks is Acid Reflux Disease. This is important also, since many people suffer from digestive conditions. Out of personal experience, i'm only 21 years old, but I have Acid Reflux, and even though I know that its the cause of it, sometimes the chest pain I get from the reflux is so painful that I am seriously worried that I'm having a heart attack, even though i'm not. But it is the excruciating pain that really throws me off. This pain is in the center of the chest, and can be easily confused with heart attack pain. People with this condition are also prone to hiatal hernias, which can cause constant pain in the chest area and elevate the pain of an acid attack. Check with your doctor to see if you have symptoms related to it.

Overall, panic attacks and heart attacks are often confused because of the similarity of symptoms, but depending on your age and health, it is usually only one or the other. You may also have "angina" or "oggida" as it is sometimes called, which is strong chest pain brought on by environmental conditions, such as allergies, dust, cigarette smoke, or other factors. Remember that Panic attacks often come with hyperventilation, overwhelming emotion, sweat, trembling, very fast and erratic heartbeat, and are usually stress related occurences...heart attacks induce feelings of light-headedness and disorientation, shooting pain in the left arm, and chest pain. However, there are situations where heart attacks do NOT produce chest pain, or the pain is so slight that you barely notice it.

I hope this information helps, but please look it up further at www.webmd.com. You will find alot more detailed information.