Copied! People who suffer from panic attacks often say their acute anxiety feels like a heart attack, as many of the symptoms can seem the same. Both conditions can be accompanied by shortness of breath, tightness in the chest, sweating, a pounding
heartbeat, dizziness, and even physical weakness or temporary paralysis. Perhaps most powerful, though, is the sense of dread that overshadows both events. The fear itself can lead to an increase in these symptoms. If you’re experiencing symptoms, call 911 immediately. While there are ways to determine the difference between a panic attack and a heart attack, a medical diagnosis is the only way to be
sure. Pay special attention to an episode that includes: These physical indicators can more clearly signal a heart attack. It is especially important to
be aware of your own heart attack risk factors. For example, if you’re a smoker with a family history of heart disease and have high blood pressure, you’re more likely to experience a heart attack. If, on the other hand, you experience chronic stress, suffered a recent traumatic event, or are having trouble coping with life’s ups and downs, you may be dealing with anxiety. Symptoms of severe anxiety and panic often
resemble a heart attack, which can worsen your distress. When anxiety feels like a heart attack, the panic can feel overwhelming. Luckily, when stressors go away, the symptoms usually do, too. The effects of anxiety are different for everyone, and our response to anxiety can be situational. Here are some signs to look out for if you are experiencing anxiety chest pain symptoms:
Know the Correlation Between the Two ConditionsAccording to the American Heart Association, many mental health issues can affect your heart health. When your body is under stress, it produces higher levels of glucose, adrenaline, and cortisol. Repetitive or prolonged distress overworks your adrenal glands, heart, and arteries. Unhealthy coping mechanisms, such as smoking cigarettes or eating fatty foods, can contribute to the negative cycle. If left unchecked, an unhealthy mental state can become another risk factor for heart attack. Additionally, up to a third of all heart attack survivors experience depression. Anxiety and chest pain can trigger more panic, resulting in a potentially destructive cycle. Healthy mental and physical habits reduce the chances of anxiety and heart attacks. Editor's Note: This gallery was originally published on February 16, 2018, and was last reviewed on September 2, 2022. OverviewWhat is anginophobia?People who have anginophobia have a fear of angina (chest pain) or choking. “Phobia” means fear, and “angina” is the Latin word for choke, strangle or suffocate. Someone with anginophobia has an extreme fear of experiencing chest tightness or pain (angina) due to a lack of oxygen. They may refuse to travel too far from a hospital in case they need medical care. What does someone with anginophobia fear?Healthcare providers use the word “angina” to refer to chest pain brought on by a lack of blood flow to your heart. It’s a sign of cardiovascular disease and may indicate a heart attack or another serious problem. But there are many nonlife-threatening, noncardiac causes of chest pain, too. A person with anginophobia excessively worries about potential causes of chest pain, such as:
What is a phobia?Phobias are the most common anxiety disorder. A phobia occurs when you fear something that’s unlikely to cause harm. Anginophobia is a specific phobic disorder, which means you’re afraid of a specific situation. With anginophobia, you fear angina (chest pain or tightness) from low oxygen. How common is anginophobia?It’s hard to know exactly how many people have a specific phobia, like anginophobia. Many people may keep this fear to themselves or may not recognize they have it. About 1 in 10 American adults and 1 in 5 teenagers will deal with a specific phobia disorder at some point in their lives, though. Symptoms and CausesWho is at risk for anginophobia?Someone who has illness anxiety disorder (previously known as hypochondria) may be more likely to develop anginophobia. An illness anxiety disorder causes you to believe you have a serious medical condition when you don’t. Other risk factors for anginophobia include:
What other phobias are associated with anginophobia?It’s not unusual to have more than one phobia. Usually, there’s a common link between them. For instance, someone who has a fear of chest pain may also have:
What causes anginophobia?A negative experience during childhood or adulthood may cause anginophobia. For example, you may have choked or seen someone have a heart attack. You also may be more prone to developing this phobia if you:
What are anginophobia symptoms?Someone with anginophobia believes they’re more likely to die from angina or choking than the average person. They may think they’re having a heart attack when they’re not. They may have:
Diagnosis and TestsHow is anginophobia diagnosed?There isn’t a test for anginophobia. This phobia isn’t found in the American Psychiatric Association’s Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM). But a mental health professional like a psychologist can assess symptoms to diagnose a specific phobic disorder. For a specific phobic disorder diagnosis, the fear needs to:
Management and TreatmentWhat are anginophobia treatments?A mental health professional can help you overcome a fear of angina. You may benefit from:
What are the complications of anginophobia?Someone with anginophobia may seek medical care for nonexistent problems. You may get unnecessary tests, which can be stressful and costly. In addition, having an extreme fear or phobia increases your risk of:
Living WithWhen should I call the doctor?You should call your healthcare provider if you experience:
What questions should I ask my doctor?You may want to ask your healthcare provider:
A note from Cleveland Clinic Having anginophobia can affect your relationships, social life and career. You may miss out on fun activities or work opportunities because you worry about having chest pain or don’t want to be too far from a hospital. Psychotherapy, or talk therapy, is effective at treating specific phobic disorders like anginophobia. Medications may help, too, especially if you also have illness anxiety disorder or panic attacks. Can anxiety make you think you have heart problems?Different Types of Anxiety Disorder
Here are a few of them: Panic disorder – can be associated with cardiac disease or mistaken for heart attack. Feelings of extreme agitation and terror are often accompanied by dizziness, chest pains, stomach discomfort, shortness of breath, and rapid heart rate.
How do I know if I have heart problems or anxiety?Although chest pain is common to both a panic attack and a heart attack, the characteristics of the pain often differ. During a panic attack, chest pain is usually sharp or stabbing and localized in the middle of the chest. Chest pain from a heart attack may resemble pressure or a squeezing sensation.
How do I stop worrying about my heart?How can I manage heart palpitations and anxiety?. Coping with stress.. Diaphragmatic breathing.. Exercising regularly.. Getting enough sleep.. Meditation.. Pursed-lip breathing.. Tai chi, yoga or other mindful movement.. What does cardiac anxiety feel like?A pounding or racing heart. Abnormal heartbeats or palpitations (when it feels like your heart flutters or skips a beat) Chest pain. Shortness of breath.
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Anxiety convinced i have a heart problem
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