However, in some cases, palpitations are a symptom of a condition known as an arrhythmia or irregular heartbeat. "They may feel like their heart is fluttering or thumping or has suddenly skipped a beat." Palpitations can be a symptom of a panic attack or other cases of short-term or long-term stress or can result from caffeine or certain medications. "People have a heightened awareness of their own heart when they experience palpitations," says Tung. Heart palpitations, in particular, can be a source of worry. These might include integrated therapies that focus on stress management and relaxation techniques such as meditation, acupuncture, yoga and tai chi. If symptoms are determined to be a panic attack, a number of treatment options are available. It's important not to minimize symptoms, as the situation could quickly escalate. In women, heart attack symptoms may be milder and could include unusual fatigue and chest discomfort rather than chest pain. You should always seek immediate medical attention if there's any question, says Tung. A heart attack, however, will often continue and may worsen over time. One of the key distinctions between the two is that a heart attack often develops during physical exertion, whereas a panic attack can occur at rest.Ī heart attack is more likely to develop when the work load of the heart increases, for example while a person is shoveling snow or running up the stairs, especially in people who do not routinely engage in physical exertion.Īnother difference is duration: Panic attacks tend to gradually subside and resolve on their own within about 20 minutes. "Chest pain, rapid heartbeat and breathlessness may result when an insufficient amount of blood reaches the heart muscle," says Tung. In the case of a heart attack, a blockage in a coronary artery may result in the same symptoms. Panic attacks arise when stress hormones trigger the body's "fight or flight" response, often resulting in racing heart, chest pain and shortness of breath. "Any of these symptoms can be extremely frightening," says Patricia Tung, MD, of Arrhythmia Services at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center.Īlthough they share a number of similarities, the two conditions result from very different disease processes. You feel pain in your chest and you are short of breath.Īre you having a heart attack? Or could it be a panic attack? Hypoglycemia (Low Blood Glucose).Your heart suddenly begins racing. Heart rate and blood pressure responses during hypoxic cycles of a 3-week intermittent hypoxia breathing program in patients at risk for or with mild COPD.
Protect your heart and health during the 'dog days' of summer.
Public knowledge of dehydration and fluid intake practices: variation by participants' characteristics. Shaheen NA, Alqahtani AA, Assiri H, Alkhodair R, Hussein MA.
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