Help Seniors Distinguish a Panic Attack from a Heart Attack

It is important to inform the senior population the difference between a panic attack and a heart attack. Panic attacks can be scary to anyone who has never experienced one. They can occur anytime, anywhere and without prior warning. While a panic attack might come and go and never return, it is important to help seniors distinguish a panic attack from a heart attack. Some panic attacks mimic the symptoms of a heart attack and cause sharp chest pains. Seniors who experience the pains for the first time 'panic' and head to the emergency room of the nearest hospital.

What Are Panic Attacks?

Panic attacks are a sudden rush of adrenaline that causes unfounded fear or anxiety. It can occur at any time and in anyplace and for no particular reason. You could be standing on the checkout line waiting for the supermarket cashier to ring up your groceries when out of the blue you get a sudden rush of fear and an immediate need to flee. Usually you will leave all of the groceries behind and rush out of the store. Sometimes, but not always, the attack is accompanied by chest pains and difficulty in breathing. Seniors with little knowledge about panic attacks think they are having a heart attack and rush to the emergency room of the nearest hospital. Panic attacks are not limited to seniors only but elderly seniors might scare easily at the signs of the attack.

How Did My First Panic Attack Happen and What Were The Signs?

My first panic attack occurred while I was smack in the center of a two lane busy street crossing. I was on a lunch break. The coffee shop was directly across the street from my office. I had crossed this street dozens of time. This time turned out to be different. Anyway, I crossed the street, ate my lunch, paid the bill and headed back to work. I stepped off the curb, took eight steps forward and froze where I was-directly in the center of all of the ongoing traffic.

My legs would not move-they remained where I stood. I thought I was going crazy. Then I noticed cars making a turn directly towards where I was standing. My legs still were frozen to the spot. It was as if my brain no longer was sending a message to my legs to move. I remained perfectly still as if I were paralyzed. Then I noticed cars heading towards me. I had to use every bit of will-power I to force my legs to obey. I ended up by literally dragging both of my legs towards the curb and up onto the sidewalk.

At the time I had no idea what had just happened to me. I never crossed that street or ate at that restaurant ever again. It was the fear that what had previously occurred might happen again that kept me from walking across that street or any other street again. It took me many years before I was able to cross a street, even a narrow street. Without realizing it that single panic attack had developed into a panic disorder and took complete control of my life.

Do Panic Attacks Only Happen To The Elderly?

Panic attacks can happen to anyone regardless of sex or age. The attacks usually strike when you least expect it no matter where you are or what you are doing. When I had my first attack I had no idea what was happening to me. Thankfully I had no chest pains or I too would have thought I was having a heart attack. Panic attack symptoms vary. I had never heard of panic attacks before I had mine.

How Long Does a Panic Attack Last?

The symptoms of the attack start quickly and without any warning and can effect you in any way. The attack itself can last for five minutes or an hour. Not all panic attacks effect people in the same way and no two people might have the same reaction.

Does a Panic Attack Only Happen to Seniors and Women?

Since this article is geared towards the senior population, I am naturally discussing the effect it has on the seniors. However a panic attack is not limited to seniors. It can effect those of any age or sex. When an elderly senior experiences their first panic attack accompanied by chest pains the fear of having a heart attack is greater.

How To Tell the Difference Between a Anxiety Attack and a Heart Attack

it is not always easy to tell the difference between an anxiety attack or an anxiety attack. The similarities can be the same. Just remember that not all anxiety attacks are accompanied by chest pains and irregular heartbeats, but most heart attacks are. When in doubt get to the emergency room in the hospital. If the chest pains are severe call 911 immediately. Let the doctors figure out what type of attack you are having.

Some Symptoms To Be Aware Of:

1. Most seniors who are having anxiety attacks will experience a rapid or irregular heart rate. Usually a rapid heart beat without intense pain is an anxiety attack.

2. Many times an anxiety attack is accompanied rapid breathing and you feel that your heart is racing. It might also feel as if you are unable to slow it down. Most of the time this is the panic you are feeling. Make sure if this happens that you try to relax and take a deep breath until you feel the attack coming to a halt and you begin to calm down.

3. Shortness of breath can also be a sign of a heart attack. If the rapid breathing does not stop or you have a cold sweat and feel dizzy like you want to faint, you might be having a heart attack. Symptoms of the two are sometimes alike. Call 911 instead of trying to figure out whether the cause is due to a panic attack or a heart attack.

4. Not all panic attacks are accompanied by chest pains. My panic disorder lasted for ten years or more, and I never had chest pains or rapid breathing. Mine remained as they started with fear of being in a position that I could not quickly get out of. Like having to stand in an unemployment line, having to sit for an interview, having to cross a street halfway and not able to cross all the way to the other side or driving in an unfamiliar area and having to turn back immediately. To this day I am still unable to drive on highways. I have to take back streets so I know I can stop driving whenever I want to.

Sources

http://www.webmd.com/anxiety-panic/guide/mental-health-panic-disorder

http://www.emedicinehealth.com/panic_attacks/article_em.htm