Panic Attack vs. Heart Attack: 3 Ways to Tell the Difference (Plus Heartburn Clues)

You feel a sudden tightness in your chest… is it stress or something serious? Panic attacks, heart attacks, and heartburn are three distinct conditions that can cause discomfort, but they have different causes and symptoms.

Table of Contents

Comparison of Panic Attacks, Heart Attacks, and Heartburn
- Preventing Panic Attacks, Heart Attacks, and Heartburn - Key Differences:
- Chest Pain Symptom Checker: Find Your Next Step.
Can Obesity Cause Heartburn and Heart Problems?
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🚨 STOP. READ THIS FIRST.

If you feel pressure, squeezing, or heaviness in your chest — especially if it spreads to your jaw, arm, or back — CALL 911 IMMEDIATELY.

⚠️ Do not drive yourself. Do not wait to see if the pain passes. This website provides wellness education only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice or emergency treatment.

Panic attacks are sudden episodes of intense fear or anxiety that trigger severe physical reactions, even when there is no real danger. Symptoms can include rapid heartbeat, shortness of breath, dizziness, and chest pain, which can sometimes be mistaken for a heart attack. However, panic attacks are primarily psychological and usually arise from anxiety disorders or stress.

On the other hand, heart attacks occur when blood flow to the heart is blocked, often due to a buildup of plaque in the arteries. This can lead to severe chest pain, tightness, pressure, and other symptoms such as nausea, sweating, and pain radiating to the arm or jaw. Heart attacks are a medical emergency and require immediate attention.

Heartburn is a digestive issue caused by stomach acid flowing back into the esophagus. It typically presents as a burning sensation in the chest or throat, often after eating. Heartburn is less severe than a heart attack and is usually related to dietary choices or conditions such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

In summary, while panic attacks, heart attacks, and heartburn can share some similar symptoms, like chest pain, they are fundamentally different conditions with unique causes and treatments. It’s essential to identify them so that they can seek appropriate care correctly.

Comparison of Panic Attacks, Heart Attacks, and Heartburn

While these conditions can sometimes be confused, they are distinct medical conditions with different causes, symptoms, and treatments.

Feature	Panic Attack (Wellness Focus)	Heart Attack (Medical Emergency)	Heartburn (Digestive Discomfort)
Primary Cause	Stress Response: A misfiring of the body’s “fight-or-flight” system due to anxiety, stress, or triggers.	Blocked Blood Flow: A physical blockage (often a clot) in a coronary artery, stopping blood from reaching the heart muscle.	Acid Reflux: Stomach acid flowing back up into the esophagus.
Nature of Chest Sensation	Sharp, Stabbing, or “Fluttering” pain, often localized. Can feel “tight.”	Pressure, Squeezing, or Heaviness like “an elephant on my chest.” Often spreads.	Burning sensation rising from the stomach up through the chest/throat.
Key Associated Symptoms	Rapid heartbeat, trembling, shortness of breath, sense of impending doom/detachment, tingling.	Pain spreading to arm/jaw/back, cold sweat, nausea, lightheadedness, extreme fatigue.	Sour/bitter taste in the mouth, sensation of food coming back up, discomfort after eating.
Typical Duration	Peaks within 10 minutes, subsides within 20-30 minutes, though anxiety may linger.	Persists or Worsens over minutes. Discomfort lasts more than a few minutes.	Can last from minutes to hours, often related to meals or lying down.
Triggers (Wellness Context)	Stress, specific fears, crowded places, overwhelming thoughts.	Not typically “triggered” in a moment, but risk factors include exertion, extreme stress, or cold.	Spicy/fatty foods, caffeine, alcohol, lying down after eating, and stress.
Immediate Action (Wellness-Oriented)	1. Ground Yourself (5-4-3-2-1 technique). 2. Regulate Breathing (4-7-8 method). 3. Reassure Self (“This will pass”).	🚨 CALL EMERGENCY SERVICES (e.g., 911) IMMEDIATELY. Do not drive yourself. Chew aspirin if advised and not allergic.	1. Sit Upright. 2. Take an Antacid. 3. Sip Water.

Preventing Panic Attacks, Heart Attacks, and Heartburn – Key Differences:

While these three conditions may share some symptoms, they have distinct causes and require different prevention strategies.

Condition	Causes	Prevention Strategies
Panic Attacks	Mental health, stress Often triggered by stress, anxiety, or underlying mental health conditions.	Therapy, stress management, and medication. Therapy: Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) can help identify and manage triggers. Stress Management: Techniques such as meditation, yoga, and deep breathing can help reduce stress. Medication: In some cases, medication may be prescribed to help manage anxiety or underlying mental health conditions.
Heart Attacks	Atherosclerosis Primarily due to atherosclerosis, a buildup of plaque in the arteries leading to the heart.	Healthy lifestyle, medication, and regular check-ups. Healthy Lifestyle: A balanced diet, regular exercise, and avoiding smoking are crucial. Medication: For those at high risk, medications like statins, beta-blockers, and aspirin may be prescribed. Regular Checkups: Regular medical checkups, including blood tests and heart screenings, can help identify and manage risk factors.
Heartburn	Acid reflux Occurs when stomach acid flows back up into the esophagus.	Dietary changes, lifestyle modifications, and medication. Dietary Changes: Avoid triggers like spicy foods, alcohol, and caffeine. Lifestyle Modifications: Elevate your upper body while sleeping, avoid lying down after eating, and manage stress. Medication: Over-the-counter antacids or prescription medications can help neutralize stomach acid.

Chest Pain Symptom Checker: Find Your Next Step.

Can Obesity Cause Heartburn and Heart Problems?

Obesity can significantly increase the risk of developing various health conditions, including panic attacks, heart attacks, and heartburn.

Here’s a breakdown of these relationships:

Obesity and Panic Attacks

Indirect Link: While obesity is not a direct cause of panic attacks, it can contribute to factors that increase the risk, such as:
- Stress and Anxiety: Obesity can lead to social isolation, discrimination, and low self-esteem, which can contribute to stress and anxiety.
- Sleep Disorders: Obesity is often associated with sleep apnea and other sleep disorders, which can disrupt sleep and contribute to anxiety and panic.

Heart Attacks and Obesity

Direct Link: Obesity is a significant risk factor for heart disease, which can lead to heart attacks. Excess weight can contribute to:
- High Blood Pressure: Obesity increases the workload on the heart, which can lead to elevated blood pressure.
- High Cholesterol: Obesity is often associated with elevated LDL (“bad”) cholesterol and reduced HDL (“good”) cholesterol.
- Type 2 Diabetes: Obesity can increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes, which is a significant risk factor for heart disease.

Obesity and Heartburn

Direct Link: Obesity can contribute to heartburn by increasing pressure on the lower esophageal sphincter, a muscle that prevents stomach acid from flowing back up into the esophagus. This condition is known as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

This tool is for informational and wellness guidance only. It is not a medical diagnostic device. When in doubt, always err on the side of caution and seek professional medical attention.”