Chest pain, palpitations, breathlessness—these symptoms can be terrifying. But do they always mean a heart attack? Not necessarily. In many cases, they could be caused by an anxiety attack or panic disorder. Unfortunately, the symptoms of a heart attack and anxiety attack often overlap, leading to confusion, fear, and delayed treatment.
If you live in Mohali, Chandigarh, or Panchkula, consulting a trusted heart specialist like Dr. Honey Sharma, one of the best cardiologists in Mohali, can help you understand the difference, get the right diagnosis, and receive timely treatment.
Understanding a Heart Attack
A heart attack (myocardial infarction) occurs when blood flow to the heart muscle is blocked, usually by a clot in a coronary artery. This deprives the heart of oxygen, leading to tissue damage or death if untreated.
Common Symptoms of a Heart Attack:
- Severe chest pain or tightness (often described as a heavy weight on the chest)
- Pain radiating to the left arm, jaw, neck, or back
- Shortness of breath
- Sweating and nausea
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Extreme fatigue
Dr. Honey Sharma, interventional cardiologist in Mohali, warns that not all patients experience “classic” chest pain. Some—especially women, diabetics, and the elderly—may have silent or atypical heart attacks, showing only mild discomfort, fatigue, or indigestion-like symptoms.
Understanding an Anxiety Attack
An anxiety or panic attack is an intense episode of fear or stress where the body triggers a “fight or flight” response. The surge of adrenaline mimics cardiac symptoms, making it difficult to distinguish from a heart attack.
Common Symptoms of Anxiety Attack:
- Sharp chest pain (localized, not spreading)
- Rapid heartbeat or palpitations
- Sweating and trembling
- Shortness of breath or hyperventilation
- Dizziness or a feeling of losing control
- Tingling in hands or feet
Unlike heart attacks, anxiety symptoms usually peak within 10–20 minutes and often subside once the stress trigger passes.
Key Differences: Heart Attack vs. Anxiety Attack
| Feature | Heart Attack | Anxiety Attack |
|---|---|---|
| Chest Pain | Heavy, crushing, radiating | Sharp, stabbing, localized |
| Duration | Persists >15–20 minutes | Peaks within 10–20 minutes |
| Other Symptoms | Sweating, nausea, arm/jaw pain | Fear, trembling, tingling |
| Triggers | Physical exertion, blocked artery | Stress, panic, mental health issues |
| Relief | Requires urgent medical treatment | May improve with relaxation/breathing |
Dr. Honey Sharma, Mohali’s best cardiologist, stresses that since the symptoms can overlap, you should never self-diagnose. If in doubt, always seek emergency care.
Why the Confusion Happens
Both conditions cause chest discomfort, rapid heartbeat, and breathlessness because the autonomic nervous system is involved in both. Stress hormones like adrenaline affect the heart, which is why anxiety can feel like a cardiac emergency.
Unfortunately, some patients in Mohali, Chandigarh, and Panchkula ignore chest pain assuming it’s “just anxiety,” while others rush to the ER for panic attacks. This is why professional evaluation by a cardiologist is essential.
How Dr. Honey Sharma in Mohali Helps Patients Differentiate
At her OPD at Shalby Multi-Specialty Hospital, Sector 63, Mohali, Dr. Sharma uses advanced diagnostics to accurately differentiate between cardiac and anxiety-related symptoms.
1. Electrocardiogram (ECG)
Helps detect abnormal heart rhythms, ischemia, or signs of heart attack.
2. Blood Tests (Cardiac Enzymes)
Elevated troponin levels confirm damage to the heart muscle.
3. Echocardiography (2D Echo, TEE, Stress Echo)
Evaluates heart structure, pumping function, and valve performance.
4. Treadmill Test (TMT)
Assesses how the heart responds to physical stress, differentiating anxiety-related chest pain from blocked arteries.
5. Holter Monitoring
A 24–48 hour recording of heart rhythms to capture irregular beats often confused with panic symptoms.
6. Coronary Angiography (if needed)
Provides the most accurate view of coronary artery blockages.
Through these advanced techniques, Dr. Sharma ensures that patients in Mohali receive the right treatment—whether it’s urgent cardiac care or reassurance for anxiety management.
Risks of Ignoring Symptoms
- If it’s a heart attack: Delaying treatment increases the risk of heart muscle damage, heart failure, or death.
- If it’s anxiety: Chronic panic attacks can still affect heart health, raising blood pressure and stress levels, increasing long-term cardiac risk.
This is why every case of unexplained chest pain in Mohali should be taken seriously.
Preventing Heart and Anxiety Attacks
Dr. Honey Sharma’s advice for Mohali residents:
- For Heart Health:
- Regular heart check-ups (ECG, echo, cholesterol, blood pressure)
- Quit smoking, eat a heart-friendly diet
- Exercise at least 30 minutes daily
- Manage diabetes and hypertension carefully
- For Anxiety Management:
- Practice meditation, yoga, and deep breathing
- Seek therapy or counseling if anxiety persists
- Avoid excess caffeine, alcohol, or late-night work habits
- Get 7–8 hours of sleep
Combining preventive cardiology with stress management ensures long-term well-being.
Why Choose Dr. Honey Sharma in Mohali?
- Specialist in Interventional Cardiology with DrNB from Fortis Hospital
- Over 8 years of experience in treating heart attacks, arrhythmias, and heart failure
- Expertise in angioplasty, stent placement, pacemaker/defibrillator implantation, and advanced imaging-guided procedures
- Certified in Holistic Heart Failure Management
- Compassionate approach—helping patients understand symptoms without fear
- Conveniently located at OPD 20, Shalby Multi-Specialty Hospital, Sector 63, Mohali
Patients describe Dr. Honey Sharma as the best cardiologist in Mohali, trusted for her precision, care, and patient education.
FAQs – Heart Attack vs. Anxiety Attack in Mohali
Q1. Can anxiety cause heart attack symptoms?
Yes, anxiety can mimic heart attack symptoms, but actual damage only occurs during a true cardiac event.
Q2. How can I tell if chest pain is heart-related or anxiety?
If the pain is heavy, radiating, and lasts >20 minutes, consult a cardiologist immediately. Only medical tests confirm the cause.
Q3. Should I visit a cardiologist in Mohali for anxiety-related chest pain?
Yes, because only a cardiologist like Dr. Honey Sharma can rule out a cardiac cause with certainty.
Q4. What tests are done in Mohali to check if chest pain is cardiac?
ECG, echocardiogram, TMT, Holter monitoring, and sometimes coronary angiography.
Q5. Where can I consult Dr. Honey Sharma in Mohali?
At OPD 20, Shalby Multi-Specialty Hospital, Sector 63, Mohali or book online at drhoneysharma.com.
Conclusion
Confusing a heart attack with an anxiety attack can be dangerous. While anxiety attacks are not life-threatening, ignoring real cardiac symptoms can have fatal consequences. If you’re in Mohali, Chandigarh, or Panchkula and experience chest discomfort, breathlessness, or palpitations, don’t take chances.
Consult Dr. Honey Sharma, the best cardiologist in Mohali, for accurate diagnosis and timely treatment.
📞 Call Now: 79866 15825
📍 Visit: OPD 20, Shalby Multi-Specialty Hospital, Sector 63, Mohali
🌐 Book Online: drhoneysharma.com
Dr. Honey Sharma – Mohali’s trusted heart specialist, helping patients differentiate and manage heart health with care and precision.