- Chest discomfort: Most heart attacks involve discomfort in the center of the chest that lasts more than a few minutes, or that goes away and comes back. It can feel like uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, fullness or pain
- Discomfort in other areas of the upper body: Symptoms can include pain or discomfort in on or both arms, the back, neck, jaw or stomach.
- Shortness of breath with or without chest discomfort.
- Other signs may include breaking out in a cold sweat, nausea or lightheadedness.
For any of these signs, call 911 to receive immediate medical care. The sooner a heart attack is treated, the better chance of a full recovery.
During a panic or anxiety attack, adrenaline levels rise, breathing becomes faster and the heart beats quicker. These are all the result of the “fight or flight” response to a situation that is part of a panic attack. These symptoms can bring about chest pain, making someone experiencing a panic attack believe they are having a heart attack.
The best way to avoid a panic attack is to seek treatment. Treatment for panic attacks often involves medication and cognitive-behavioral therapy. In addition, there are some things you can do to help reduce anxiety and panic attacks:
1) See a doctor to determine if your symptoms are not caused by any physical illness or injury. If you experience chest pains, it is important to rule out any heart disease or condition that may be contributing to your pain or discomfort.
2) Eat a healthy diet.
3) Incorporate exercise into your daily routines. Experts agree that daily exercise helps to reduce anxiety symptoms.
4) Learn relaxation techniques and strategies such as deep breathing or meditation to help you relax and reduce a panic attack.
If your anxiety symptoms are stopping you from doing what you want to do, limiting your activities or interfering with your daily life, contact your doctor or another medical professional. Anxiety is a treatable condition and many people with anxiety live healthy, happy and satisfying lives.
