Possible heart attack? or other heart problem?

2 days ago I had a severe panic attack for the first time. I was feeling as though I was having a heart attack, or dying. It subsided within 2 hours and I was left with a pain in my chest and difficulty breathing. Now I have not been able to go to sleep, as soon as I start to doze off, I get a bad pain in my chest and need to gasp for air. I literally didn't sleep at all last night! I made a doc appointment for day after tomorrow but it is starting to feel worse. Should I go to the emergency room?? Is this just panic attack or worse? Any help/ suggestions would be appreciated. I am 21 and haven't had any previous heart trouble.

Go to your nearest ER! I thought I was having an indigestion problem, went to ER because of the pain and found out it was a heartattack. Had 2 stints put in after blockage was removed and was in ICU 2 hrs. later recovering. You just never know so better to check it out than to not know and it be too late. The first 90 minutes is the most important time before real damage is done. They can do an EKG and determine whether it was a panic attack or heartattack - please get it checked out! Life is too short as it is!

First of all, try to calm down. I know it is hard to do, especially with the pain in the chest and the gasping for air. I definitely would go see a doctor ASAP because if it was heart problems, you can scar your heart if it was an attack. Sounds kinda like a panic attack except for the pain in the chest. Are you overweight? Have you had alot of stress lately? What happened that triggered the panic? Have you ever felt this way before? Tomorrow first thing, you call your Drs. office and tell them you need to be seen now not the next day. Don't drink any alcohol, because if it is a panic attack--it can make it worse.
Try to calm down, drink some hot tea, breathe slowly and deeply. Is there a consulting nurse you can call?
Best wishes to you,
CathyH

It doesn't have to be a problem with your heart, although it can be that too.

It can be some problem with your lung or lungs. It can be an asthma attack or a blood clot in your lung blood circulation. Or you may have severe anemia and your heart has difficulty keeping up with the increased workload. And of course, it can be simply a psychological panic attack.

In any case, it sounds serious. And if you are having trouble breathing, then you should go to the emergency room as soon as you can.

Would you rather go to the ER, and maybe feel a little bit silly because you really didn't have to go, or choose not to go, and later on, have your family wish you had???
Your call.
GO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!