Heart Attack vs. Panic Attack?

How can you tell the difference between a panic attack and a heart attack or pulmonary embolism? Symptoms experienced were sudden shortness of breath, tingling that started in both hands then spread to both arms, nose and chin, no chest pain, slight nausea, extreme anxiety, neck pain for a week before any other symptoms, and back pain between the shoulder blades. Patient is an 18-yr old female with no history of health problems, non smoker, had a baby 8 months ago, history of mild anxiety disorders and a few previous panic attacks, not on any medications, normal weight, no high blood pressure except while pregnant, but very high fat/cholesterol diet and little activity.

Just the patient history alone should be a huge clue:
no history of health problems
history of mild anxiety disorders and a few previous panic attacks.

Why are you saying patient? If you're a Dr then you should know. I hope either way she gets help so she can get on with raising her child.

panic if it was a heart attack u wouldnt be typing and i have the same pain now on my left shoulder and it cuases hand numbness take deep slow breathes take a shower and get ur blood flowing and do a little activity u might have poor circulation as i have so dont worry...im 16 so i thought it was a heart attack to its not i went to the emergency room and no chest pain means itz not a heart attack ur chest is in the middle of ur chest and sever

im not a doctor but i do know one thing,this patient should see her doctor being as shes had a history of panic attacks its probably whats bothering her.a full blown panic attack can have symptoms that are similar to those of a heart attack,please take her to a doctor asap!

A negative history is no indication of what might be wrong. Everyone has a negative history until something happens. She is very young to have a heart attack, but it happens--and women who take birth control pills are at high risk. It does sound like an anxiety attack, but it's not worth betting her life that it was--she should see a doctor and find out for sure. This is one bet you wouldn't want to lose.

There are ways that a doctor can check for a recent heart attack or even an old one. If someone is having chest pains or symptoms at the time, cardiac enzyme blood tests called CK and Troponins and be drawn. If they are elevated, especially the Troponins, then a heart attack is likely. Also, a doctor can do an EKG and look for abnormal changes. Even an old heart attack can sometimes be detected by EKG changes if there was damage to the heart.

Also, contrary to what a lot of people think, a heart attack doesn't always kill. Many times, mild heart attacks are ignored, and the only reason people know they had one is that sometime later evidence of it is found on an EKG.

See a doctor and put your mind at ease.

The symptoms of a heart attack are pretty specific. A tightening of the chest that progressively gets worse. Like bricks on your chest. A numbing or paralysing of the left arm. Nausea and vomiting are also common. A panic attack is more general as far as symptoms go. It basically is an "all over tingling" or feeling like you are just going to pass out. It almost feels like your brain is telling you you are in danger and to run or feel fear. Heart attacks statistically are uncommon in 18 year old, while panic attacks are way more common. Obviously if these occurrences continue medical attention is needed. Even for anxiety attacks. Good luck to you all.

Sounds very much like a panic attack. Tell her to take the following steps (especially the first one):

1. Breathe properly - if you control your breathing, you control panic. As soon as you notice the signs of anxiety, check your breathing: breathe in slowly through your nose pushing your tummy out (to the count of 5 or so). Breathe out slowly and for a bit longer (to the count of 7 or so) through your mouth. Do not breathe rapidly or shallowly (in the chest area). This will soon restore the balance of oxygen and you will feel a lot better.

2. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy! CBT is proven to be the most effective thing for panic attacks, worry and anxiety. It takes a bit of work, but it is super effective. (After 15 years of panic attacks, mine stopped completely).You can speak to your doctor about taking a course or you can take a course for free online at: http://www.livinglifetothefull.com/elear...

3. Try relaxation exercise tapes (progressive muscular relaxation). They really help if you practise often enough. This site has instructions on how to do it without the tapes (and other useful info): http://www.cci.health.wa.gov.au/resource...

I hope she feels better soon. Best of luck!