Panic Attack or Heart Attack? How to Tell the Difference

When your heart is racing, your chest feels tight, and it’s hard to breathe, it’s easy to panic and think:
“Am I having a heart attack?”

The symptoms of a panic attack and a heart attack can feel very similar — and both are scary. But understanding the differences can help you feel more in control, and know when to get help.

In this blog, we’ll walk you through the signs of each, how they’re different, and what to do if you’re not sure.

What Is a Panic Attack?

A panic attack is a sudden wave of intense fear or anxiety. It often comes on quickly and can happen without warning. It’s your body’s fight-or-flight response going into overdrive — even if there’s no real danger.

Common symptoms include:

A racing or pounding heart
Chest pain or tightness
Sweating
Shaking or trembling
Shortness of breath or feeling like you can’t breathe
Nausea or stomach pain
Feeling dizzy or lightheaded
Numbness or tingling in your hands or face
Feeling like something terrible is happening
A fear of dying or “going crazy”

Panic attacks are not dangerous, but they can feel terrifying. They usually peak within 10 minutes and slowly pass within 20–30 minutes, although they can feel longer.

What Is a Heart Attack?

A heart attack happens when blood flow to the heart is blocked. It’s a medical emergency that needs fast treatment.

Common symptoms of a heart attack include:

Chest pain or pressure that feels like squeezing, fullness, or aching
Pain that spreads to the arms, jaw, neck, back, or stomach
Shortness of breath, even at rest
Nausea or vomiting
Cold sweats
Feeling dizzy or faint
A sudden sense of fatigue or weakness

Heart attack symptoms often build gradually (but not always) and do not go away without medical help.

How to Tell the Difference

Symptom

Chest Pain
Pain Location
Breathing
Duration
Trigger
Relief

Panic Attack

Sharp/stabbing that shifts around
Usually stays in chest
Shortness of breath; fast breaths
Peaks within 10 minutes, fades in 20–30
Often stress or anxiety
May feel better after calming down

Heart Attack

Pressure, squeezing, or heaviness
May spread to arms, back, jaw
Shortness of breath with slow or shallow breathing
Lasts longer, gets worse with time
Often physical effort, but not always
Doesn’t improve with rest

When to Call 911

If you’re not sure what you’re feeling, play it safe. Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.

You should seek emergency help if:

Chest pain lasts more than a few minutes
Pain spreads to other parts of your body
You feel faint, dizzy, or extremely weak
You have a known heart condition
You’ve never had a panic attack before and the pain feels new or different

It’s always better to be safe and get checked out — even if it “just” turns out to be a panic attack. You won’t be wasting anyone’s time.

What to Do If It’s a Panic Attack

If you’ve been told by a doctor that your heart is healthy and you’ve experienced panic attacks before, here are some things that can help you get through it:

Slow your breathing: Inhale for 4 seconds, hold for 4, exhale for 6. Repeat.
Ground yourself: Look around and name 5 things you can see, 4 you can touch, 3 you can hear…
Remind yourself: “This is scary, but it will pass. I’m safe.”
Move your body: Shake out your hands, go for a short walk, or stretch.
Seek support: Talk to someone you trust, or reach out to a therapist.

How Therapy Can Help

If panic attacks are happening often — or even if you’ve only had one and you’re afraid of it happening again — therapy can help.

At Authentic Living London, we offer gentle, supportive therapy to help you:

Understand where your anxiety is coming from
Learn tools to prevent and manage panic attacks
Explore what your body might be trying to tell you
Rebuild trust in yourself and your safety

You’re not “too sensitive” or “overreacting.” Panic attacks are real, and there are ways to feel better.

Book a Free 15-Minute Consultation

If you're not sure whether therapy is right for you, we offer a free 15-minute phone consultation. You can ask questions, share what you’re going through, and get a feel for how we work.

📍 In-person in London, Ontario
💻 Virtual appointments across Ontario
🕊️ You deserve peace — let’s work toward it together.

👉 Call/text 226-224-0301 or email [email protected]

You Don’t Have to Face Panic Alone

If panic attacks are happening often—or even if you’ve only had one and fear it happening again—therapy can help.

At Authentic Living London, our qualified professionals offer gentle, supportive therapy designed to meet you where you are. Together, we can:

🌿 Understand the root of your anxiety
🌿 Learn tools to prevent and manage panic
🌿 Explore what your body might be trying to tell you
🌿 Rebuild trust in yourself and your sense of safety

You’re not “too sensitive.” You’re not “overreacting.”
Panic attacks are real—and healing is possible.

Reach out to Authentic Living London today to book with one of our experienced therapists.
Your healing can begin here.