So, how are you supposed to know if it’s a cardiac (heart) or panic attack! They have similarities. In any event, the symptom that gets me every time is having problems breathing. You know when you’re having a full blown panic attack because you’re gasping for air. I also get lightheadedness which is similar in both. All these symptoms become normal everyday life because you get so used to it. Sometimes you have nightmare panic attacks which I have been having frequently. I keep waking up in the middle of the night, thrashing around because I feel like something is attacking me. I had that a little while ago, hence why I’m doing this so early in the morning.

Similarities For Cardiac (Heart) And Panic Attacks

The symptoms of a cardiac (heart) attack and a panic attack can appear similar and may be mistaken for one another. However, the causes and treatment of the two conditions are quite different.

Some common similarities between cardiac (heart) attacks and panic attacks include:

Chest pain or discomfort: Both conditions can cause chest pain or discomfort, which may be described as squeezing, pressure, or tightness. The chest pain associated with a cardiac attack is usually more severe and prolonged than that of a panic attack.

Shortness of breath: Both conditions can cause shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, which can be alarming.

Sweating: Both conditions can cause sweating or perspiration, which is the body’s response to stress.

Nausea or vomiting: Both conditions can cause nausea or vomiting, although this is more common with a cardiac attack.

Dizziness or lightheadedness: Both conditions can cause dizziness or lightheadedness, which can be due to a decrease in blood flow and oxygen to the brain.

Full Blown Panic Attack

A full-blown panic attack is a sudden and intense episode of anxiety that can be overwhelming and debilitating. Any type of panic attack is overwhelming, especially if you have them consistently. I’ve had full blown panic attacks out in public. That was interesting to say the least. No one even bothered to help me. Probably thought I was having a melt down. In a sense, it was! It just felt like the whole world was caving in. I don’t know if I passed out or not because there were a few minutes that I don’t remember what happened. It’s amazing how your brain can work against you. In general, when it perceives a threat to immense to comprehend, it shuts down. I guess in a way, it’s protecting you from a threat, but also leaving you vulnerable.

Panic Attack Is Normal

Panic attacks can sometimes become a normal part of an individual’s experience if they have gone untreated or if they have been coping with anxiety for a long time without seeking help. In some cases, individuals may view their them as “normal” simply because they have grown accustomed to them and have not sought treatment to address their condition. I can’t imagine having to live with panic attacks without having medicine to help me cope with them. I didn’t realize how much the old med was working until I tried a new med. I wanted to crawl out of my skin. Needless to say, I went back to the old med.

Nightmare Panic Attack

During a nightmare panic attack, a person may experience intense anxiety, fear, and physical symptoms similar to those experienced during a waking anxiety attack. The individual may wake up suddenly, feeling disoriented and fearful. They may have a racing heart, sweating, and difficulty breathing. This can be triggered by the content of the nightmare, particularly if it involves a traumatic experience, phobia or fear in the person’s life. I keep having (and I mentioned it earlir) a nightmare that I’m either falling from a great height or I’m being attacked by something that is mostly transparent. It always happens around the same time because I am awake for an hour or so after it happens. I’m kind of scared to go back to sleep.

Day After Anxiety Attack

Common symptoms of the day after an anxiety attack may include:

• Feeling tired or fatigued
• A sense of emotional numbness or detachment
• Difficulty concentrating on tasks
• Lingering feelings of anxiety or worry
• Sensitivity to light and sound
• Muscle tension or pain
• Digestive issues, such as nausea or stomach discomfort
• Headaches or migraines

The day after an anxiety attack, or panic attack, refers to the period of time following an episode of intense anxiety or panic. During this time, a person may experience lingering physical and emotional effects related to the anxiety attack.

The day after an anxiety attack can be a challenging time for some individuals, as they may feel drained or on-edge from the effects of the anxiety attack. I’m just plain tired, especially if it’s a really bad panic attack. Also, I have difficulty moving forward a day after the panic attack. I have trouble doing simple things.

Living With Panic Attacks

Living with panic attacks can be challenging, but there are several strategies that individuals can use to manage and cope with panic attacks.

Seek help: If you experience anxiety attacks, it is important to seek help from a mental health professional, such as a psychologist or psychiatrist. A mental health professional can evaluate your symptoms, provide a diagnosis and develop a personalized treatment plan to help you manage the attacks.

Practice relaxation techniques: Learning relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, or yoga can help you manage anxiety and prevent them. Practicing relaxation techniques regularly can help you remain calm and centered during anxious or stressful situations.

Engage in regular exercise: Regular exercise has been shown to help alleviate symptoms of anxiety and stress. Engaging in physical activity such as jogging, walking, dancing or swimming can help to reduce muscle tension, manage stress and promote overall well-being.

Avoid caffeine and other stimulants: Caffeine and other stimulants can trigger or worsen anxiety attacks. It is important to avoid or limit these substances to help manage anxiety and lower your risk of panic attacks.

Develop a support system: Having a supportive network of family and friends can help you manage panic attacks. Consider joining a support group for individuals with anxiety to connect with others who experience similar issues and learn effective coping strategies.

Keep a panic diary: Writing down your thoughts, feelings and behaviors during a panic attack can help you identify patterns or triggers and develop coping strategies to manage future panic attacks.

Living with panic attacks is possible with proper management and support. Therefore, you never really get used to them, but you can learn to live with the them. If you’re really good, you can predict when they might happen, even though sometimes they happen without warning.

Conclusion

I don’t know how many times I’ve been to the ER because I thought I was having a cardiac (heart) attack, but it was just a panic attack. I lost count…and money:) In any case, I think I’ve learned my lesson. Now watch, I’ll have a cardiac (heart) attack and think it’s a panic attack! Somehow, you can learn to live with them if they occur regularly. It’s just a part of life. You don’t necessarily have to accept them, but just acknowledge the panic attacks.

Articles

-Panic Disorder: When Fear Overwhelms

https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/panic-disorder-when-fear-overwhelms

-Panic Attack Symptoms

https://www.webmd.com/anxiety-panic/panic-attack-symptoms

-How Long Do Panic Attacks Last?

https://www.healthline.com/health/mental-health/how-long-do-panic-attacks-last

Have a Good One,

Cindee, One Voice – Unstoppable

“You’re Not Alone!”