Can panic attacks cause heart attacks? Cardiovascular surgeon explains the key difference

Chest pain, sweating, numbness in the arms, and a racing heart are symptoms that commonly occur during both panic attacks and heart attacks — and a cardiovascular surgeon has now explained why the two are so easily confused, and when repeated panic attacks can become a genuine concern for heart health.

Board-Certified Cardiovascular Surgeon Dr Jeremy London addressed the issue in an Instagram post published on Monday, drawing a clear distinction between the two conditions while cautioning against dismissing chronic anxiety as harmless.

Why the symptoms overlap

"Can a panic attack cause a heart attack? You know, in healthy individuals, almost never," Dr London said. "But the problem is that the symptoms overlap so much, chest pain, sweating, numbness down your arms."

Despite the similarities in presentation, the underlying causes are entirely different. "With a heart attack, you can have a blockage in one of the coronary arteries," he explained. "With a panic attack, you have a flood of stress hormones."

The degree of overlap explains why chest pain consistently ranks among the most common reasons people attend emergency departments. "Chest pain is one of the most frequent reasons that people present to the emergency room, and that's appropriate," Dr London noted.

When panic attacks become a heart concern

While a single panic attack is unlikely to trigger a heart attack in an otherwise healthy person, Dr London was clear that repeated episodes carry cumulative risks. "It's worth pointing out that chronic frequent panic attacks do increase your risk of heart disease," he said. "And if you already have a history of heart disease, this can impact that even more."

Sustained stress and anxiety place a burden on the cardiovascular system over time. Even so, Dr London offered reassurance about the resilience of a healthy heart. "Understand that a healthy heart can tolerate a panic attack," he said. "But panic is real, and it can add up over time."

Seek help and get checked

Dr London also stressed that effective support is available for those experiencing ongoing anxiety and urged anyone in doubt to seek professional assessment. "There are very effective treatment protocols," he said. "So if things don't feel right and there's any question, get checked out."

Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.