Panic Attacks vs Chest Pain
Panic Attacks and Chest Pain are conditions that share some reported symptoms, which can make them easy to confuse. This guide explains the key similarities, how each is described, and how providers may investigate them. Educational content only - not a diagnosis.
About Panic Attacks and Chest Pain
Panic Attacks: Sudden episodes of intense fear with physical symptoms such as palpitations, sweating, and breathlessness.
Chest Pain: Discomfort or pain in the chest that can range from minor muscle strain to a life-threatening heart condition.
Symptoms shared by both conditions
These symptoms have been reported in association with both Panic Attacks and Chest Pain.
Chest pain
An unpleasant sensation characterized by physical discomfort (such as pricking, throbbing, or aching) localize...
Dyspnea
Difficult or labored breathing. Dyspnea is a subjective feeling only the patient can rate, e.g., on a Borg sca...
Excessive Sweating
Sweating more than is needed to regulate body temperature, which can accompany fever, anxiety, hypoglycemia, o...
Palpitations
A sensation that the heart is pounding or racing, which is a non-specific sign but may be a manifestation of a...
Symptoms of each condition
Panic Attacks
Chest pain
An unpleasant sensation characterized by physical discomfort (such as pricking, throbbing, or aching) localize...
Dyspnea
Difficult or labored breathing. Dyspnea is a subjective feeling only the patient can rate, e.g., on a Borg sca...
Excessive Sweating
Sweating more than is needed to regulate body temperature, which can accompany fever, anxiety, hypoglycemia, o...
Fear of Dying
Intense fear of dying or losing control during a panic attack....
Palpitations
A sensation that the heart is pounding or racing, which is a non-specific sign but may be a manifestation of a...
Paresthesia
Abnormal sensations such as tingling, pricking, or numbness of the skin with no apparent physical cause....
Tremor
An unintentional, oscillating to-and-fro muscle movement about a joint axis....
Chest Pain
Chest pain
An unpleasant sensation characterized by physical discomfort (such as pricking, throbbing, or aching) localize...
Dyspnea
Difficult or labored breathing. Dyspnea is a subjective feeling only the patient can rate, e.g., on a Borg sca...
Excessive Sweating
Sweating more than is needed to regulate body temperature, which can accompany fever, anxiety, hypoglycemia, o...
Nausea
A sensation of unease in the stomach together with an urge to vomit....
Palpitations
A sensation that the heart is pounding or racing, which is a non-specific sign but may be a manifestation of a...
How Panic Attacks may be investigated
Healthcare providers may order these tests when evaluating Panic Attacks.
Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP)
Measures 14 substances in the blood to assess kidney and liver function, electrolyte balance, and blood sugar ...
Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH)
Screens for thyroid disorders such as hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism....
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Panic Attacks and Chest Pain?
Panic Attacks and Chest Pain are distinct conditions that share some reported symptoms, which is why they can be confused. Panic Attacks: Sudden episodes of intense fear with physical symptoms such as palpitations, sweating, and breathlessness. Chest Pain: Discomfort or pain in the chest that can range from minor muscle strain to a life-threatening heart condition. This content is informational, not a diagnosis.
Can Panic Attacks and Chest Pain be mistaken for each other?
Yes - because they share symptoms such as Chest pain, Dyspnea, Excessive Sweating, Palpitations, they may present similarly. A qualified healthcare provider distinguishes them through history, examination, and testing.
How are Panic Attacks and Chest Pain investigated?
Testing depends on the specific condition and presentation. A provider may order tests such as Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP), Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH). Test selection is a clinical decision.