What's the difference between heart condition chest pains and anxiety/panic attack chest pains?

What's the difference between heart condition chest pains and anxiety/ panic attack chest pains?

• What's the difference?

• Answer:

  The chest pain experienced by each may feel the same but, of course, the causes are quite different. In point of fact, anxiety chest pain is similar to, but not the same as, cardiac chest pain. Cardiac chest pain is definitely different. (1) Anxiety chest pain is caused by suddenly elevated adrenaline levels which cause heart muscle to contract more quickly and more forcefully. Cardiac chest pain is triggered by conditions that affect the heart and its function. (2) Anxiety pain is usually localized. This means it's confined to one area which is more often than not, somewhere away from the location of the heart. Cardiac pain tends to be felt in the center of the chest and may radiate up to the left jaw, to the left shoulder, to the upper, left back and/or down the left arm. (3) Anxiety pain is stabbing, burning, sharp or prickling. Cardiac pain is a dull pain with the sensation of great pressure as if the heart were being squeezed or crushed. A choking sensation may also be present. (4) Anxiety pain doesn't tend to last long and can be relieved by relaxation techniques. Cardiac pain is not relieved by rest and is more prolonged.