Have you ever felt the overwhelming fear that accompanies panic? Whether there is a reason or not, it feels debilitating in the moment, like your heart might explode.
Can a panic attack cause a heart attack? The short answer is no, but there are various ways anxiety and panic disorder can affect overall heart health. If you or someone you love lives with frequent panic attacks or bouts of anxiety, read on to learn more about the physical aspects you may be experiencing.
Between 2023 and 2024, the number one mental health condition affecting Floridians was generalized anxiety disorder. This shows there is a community need for resources to help manage anxiety and panic attacks.
At Clean Recovery Centers, we recognize that educating our local communities is crucial to promoting better mental health awareness. Today, we are answering the question: Can a panic attack cause a heart attack?
Can a Panic Attack Cause a Heart Attack? What You Need to Know
Panic disorder is a mental health condition, whereas heart health is directly related to physical health. Therefore, a panic attack cannot cause a heart attack to occur. However, it is important to note that experiencing chronic panic attacks and anxiety has been linked to higher risks of developing heart disease, which can lead to a future cardiac event.
Panic attacks are an intense bout of fear and anxiety that can come about out of nowhere. They typically only last for around 20 minutes, but they feel scary and cause physical symptoms. Heart attacks, on the other hand, are caused by blockages in the coronary arteries. It can be difficult to distinguish each condition as common shared symptoms include chest pain, rapid heart rate, shortness of breath, and sweating.
How Anxiety Affects Your Heart: Symptoms and Risks
Anxiety disorders, including panic disorder, can negatively affect the heart when left untreated. These specific mental health conditions cause the body to go into “fight-or-flight” mode at unnecessary times. A normal stress response occurs during times of fear, such as when you get cut off while driving. In panic disorder, heightened stress events can occur with or without a trigger, causing this response to activate. As a result, the body produces stress hormones as a response to the perceived threat.
Two common stress hormones, adrenaline and cortisol, have a direct effect on the heart. When these hormones are released, the heart rate increases, blood pressure rises, and the arteries constrict. This causes the heart to work harder to maintain a steady blood flow throughout the body. Over time, the heart will weaken, increasing the risk of a heart attack and blood clots.
Studies have connected emotional stress with reduced blood flow to certain areas of the heart. Known as mental stress ischemia, this phenomenon has been linked to doubling the risk of heart attacks.
Panic Disorder and Heart Health: Are You at Risk?
Having panic disorder does put your heart health at risk, but it doesn’t mean you can’t prevent long-term damage. Panic disorder is characterized by recurring panic attacks. Though a single panic attack is unlikely to cause long-term harm, the repeated stress response associated with panic disorder can wear on the cardiovascular system. Those with untreated panic disorder are more likely to experience:
- Elevated heart rate variability
- Higher blood pressure levels
- Greater likelihood of metabolic syndrome
These put the person at a much higher overall risk of developing heart disease. Also, panic disorder can lead to poor lifestyle choices such as substance use, lack of exercise, and poor diet. These factors increase the person’s risk of developing cardiac concerns.
Panic Attack vs. Heart Attack: Key Differences and Warning Signs
One of the biggest differences between panic attacks and heart attacks is their duration. Panic attacks come on suddenly and last approximately 20 minutes. Heart attacks vary in duration depending on the type. A ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) is a complete blockage of the coronary artery, resulting in sudden chest pain and breathing difficulties. This type is a life-threatening emergency and needs to be addressed as soon as possible. A non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) can build over time as it is only a partial blockage in the coronary artery. Symptoms persist over time, often becoming worse.
Some other key differences between panic attacks and heart attacks include:
| Symptom | Heart Attack | Panic Attack |
|---|---|---|
| Onset | Gradual or sudden, typically during physical exercise | Sudden as a response to stress or fear |
| Chest pain | Pressure and fullness, radiating to the left arm | Stabbing or sharp, localized to the chest |
| Breathing | Discomforting shortness of breath | Hyperventilating, with feelings of not being able to catch your breath |
| Specific symptoms | Nausea, cold sweats, fatigue | Feelings of impending doom, trembling, and stomach cramps |
Unsure If It’s a Panic Attack or a Heart Attack? Here’s What to Do
Trying to distinguish between a panic attack and a heart attack can be difficult in the moment. There is already fear of what is going on, which can make the situation worse. Here are 5 steps to follow if you suspect either is occurring:
- Call for help: If you already have a history of panic attacks, call 988 for assistance, as this is the national mental health hotline. If you know you have heart concerns, call 911 for immediate medical assistance. If you do not know your medical history, describe your specific symptoms to a 911 operator.
- Do not drive: Do not try to get yourself to a hospital or facility. Wait for professional help or have a trusted family member or friend take you.
- Chew an aspirin: Aspirin has been proven to help reduce the risk of blood clots and inflammation, which can help prevent further heart damage.
- Attempt to remain calm: Although difficult, remaining calm will help keep heart rate and blood pressure at stable levels. Practice breathing exercises, such as inhaling through the nose and exhaling through the mouth.
- Time the event: Note when symptoms began and how long they persist. If chest pain and shortness of breath dissipate and you feel back to normal over a few minutes, it was likely a panic attack. If symptoms persist and do not lessen, suspect a heart attack.
It is always best to err on the side of caution when feeling symptoms of chest pain and breathing problems. Mistaking a panic attack for a heart attack is not anything to be ashamed of, and there is a chance it could be an actual cardiac event.
Can You Have a Heart Attack During a Panic Attack? Explained
It is extremely unlikely that a heart attack would occur during a panic attack. In those who already have coronary artery disease or heart disease, a panic attack could trigger a cardiac event, though this is rare.
Chronic panic attacks, however, contribute to poor heart health and increase the risk of developing a heart condition. It is important to seek mental health care to manage panic disorder and other forms of anxiety.
Seeking Treatment for Panic Disorder in Hillsborough County, FL
Panic disorder not only interrupts your day-to-day life, but it also takes a toll on your overall physical health. The good news is that treatment for panic disorder can help manage symptoms and prevent further heart damage. Through guided therapy, coping skill development, and medication, you will have the tools needed to reduce feelings of anxiety and future panic attacks. It is never too late to reach out for help – take the first step to living panic-free.
If you or someone you love is feeling the pressure of chronic panic, help is available today. Clean Recovery Centers has an expert clinical team who are knowledgeable and compassionate in addressing and treating panic disorder as well as co-occurring substance use disorders. We offer a range of care levels, including inpatient, partial hospitalization, outpatient, and telehealth services. Call us today at (888) 330-2532 to learn more about our program offerings.
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