Anxiety vs Heart Attack: How to Tell the Difference and When to Get Help

Anxiety and heart attacks can feel alarmingly similar. Both can cause chest discomfort, shortness of breath, dizziness, sweating, and a sense that something is very wrong. That overlap is exactly why chest symptoms should never be brushed off casually.

If you are having symptoms right now and are not sure what is going on, use our symptom checker. But if symptoms are severe or concerning, seek emergency care.

Shared Symptoms

Both anxiety and heart attacks can cause:

• chest tightness or discomfort
• shortness of breath
• dizziness
• sweating
• nausea
• racing heartbeat

Symptoms More Suggestive of a Heart Attack

A heart attack is more concerning if symptoms include:

• chest pressure, heaviness, or squeezing
• pain spreading to the arm, jaw, neck, or back
• symptoms triggered by exertion
• fainting or extreme weakness
• risk factors like older age, diabetes, smoking, or known heart disease

Symptoms More Common With Panic or Anxiety

Anxiety may be more likely if symptoms happen during intense fear or panic and include:

• tingling in the hands or face
• hyperventilation
• a strong sense of impending doom
• symptoms that peak quickly then ease

Bottom Line

It can be hard to tell the difference in the moment. If there is any real concern for a heart attack, it is safer to get emergency evaluation.

This article is for educational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice.