{"id":137,"date":"2025-03-17T22:08:59","date_gmt":"2025-03-17T18:08:59","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/healthfinder.ae\/blog\/?p=137"},"modified":"2025-03-20T13:46:17","modified_gmt":"2025-03-20T09:46:17","slug":"heart-disease-vs-anxiety-symptoms","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/healthfinder.ae\/blog\/heart-disease-vs-anxiety-symptoms\/","title":{"rendered":"Heart Disease vs Anxiety: Know the Key Symptom Differences"},"content":{"rendered":"<p data-pm-slice=\"0 0 []\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Ever felt a sudden racing heart, chest pain, or shortness of breath and wondered\u2014is this a heart attack or just anxiety? You\u2019re not alone. Heart disease and anxiety attacks share many symptoms, making it difficult to know whether you need emergency medical care or calming techniques. Knowing the difference could save your life.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Both heart problems and anxiety disorders can cause chest discomfort, irregular heartbeat, dizziness, and breathing difficulties, but their triggers, duration, and patterns differ: Heart disease symptoms often appear during physical activity, feel like a deep, squeezing pressure, and may spread to the jaw or arms. Anxiety symptoms usually arise from stress, fear, or emotional triggers, feel sharp or stabbing, and improve with relaxation techniques. Heart disease causes shortness of breath even at rest due to blood circulation issues, whereas stress-induced hyperventilation causes anxiety-induced breathlessness.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Understanding these differences helps you respond appropriately and seek the right medical attention when needed.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">In the UAE, where high stress levels, long working hours, and rising heart disease cases are concerns, it\u2019s crucial to recognise when chest discomfort is anxiety-related or a potential heart emergency. Hospitals like Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi and Dubai Heart Centre provide comprehensive heart screenings to rule out underlying conditions.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">According to the <strong>American Heart Association (AHA)<\/strong>, <strong>over 30% of people experiencing chest pain<\/strong> initially <strong>mistake a heart attack for anxiety<\/strong>. Additionally, <strong>anxiety-related symptoms affect up to 40% of individuals with heart disease<\/strong>, making accurate diagnosis even more critical.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">This blog explores the differences between heart disease and anxiety symptoms, helping you recognize key signs, understand risk factors, and determine when to seek medical attention.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>Common Symptoms of Heart Disease<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Heart disease can cause discomfort in different ways, often affecting how you breathe and move. These signs may feel severe during physical effort or when the heart struggles.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Health Anxiety vs. Heart Attack, When to Get Help\" width=\"1140\" height=\"641\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/AxJknklpPvY?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/p>\n<h3><strong><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Chest pain or discomfort<\/span><\/strong><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Chest pain often feels like squeezing, pressure, or heaviness in the chest. It may spread to the arms, neck, jaw, or back. In cases of a heart attack or\u00a0<a style=\"color: #000000;\" href=\"https:\/\/www.mayoclinic.org\/diseases-conditions\/coronary-artery-disease\/symptoms-causes\/syc-20350613\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\">coronary artery disease<\/a>, this discomfort can last for several minutes and worsen with physical exertion.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Pain linked to cardiac disease may also come with shortness of breath and cold sweats.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Anxiety-related chest pain feels different. It might be sharp or stabbing instead of heavy. Panic attacks causing this symptom are usually brief but intense and can occur without physical activity.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Rapid breathing during anxiety increases such sensations due to tight chest muscles. While both cases feel alarming, understanding these distinctions is key to managing your health.<\/span><\/p>\n<blockquote><p><span style=\"color: #008000;\">Not all chest pains mean a heart problem\u2014some stem from anxiety.<\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<h3><strong><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Shortness of breath<\/span><\/strong><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Shortness of breath can signal heart disease or anxiety. In heart conditions, it often occurs while resting or doing light tasks. It may feel like tightness in the chest or difficulty taking a full breath.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">This could occur due to narrowed blood vessels,\u00a0<span style=\"color: #0000ff;\"><strong><a style=\"color: #0000ff;\" title=\"high blood pressure\" href=\"https:\/\/healthfinder.ae\/blog\/high-blood-pressure-women-over-50\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">high blood pressure<\/a><\/strong><\/span>, or a weakened heart muscle caused by coronary disease.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">In anxiety disorders, shortness of breath results from the body&#8217;s\u00a0<a style=\"color: #000000;\" href=\"https:\/\/www.health.harvard.edu\/staying-healthy\/understanding-the-stress-response\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\">fight-or-flight response<\/a>. Stress increases the breathing rate as your body reacts to danger\u2014even if no real threat exists.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Relaxation techniques and stress management exercises may help calm this symptom over time. Understanding fatigue and weakness further distinguishes these issues.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><strong><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Fatigue and weakness<\/span><\/strong><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Fatigue and weakness can signal heart disease. These symptoms often occur during physical exertion, even with minimal movement. Heart failure or coronary heart disease may cause the body to struggle in supplying oxygen-rich blood.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">This leads to tiredness that does not improve with rest.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Anxiety can also trigger similar sensations but feels different. With anxiety, fatigue might follow prolonged stress or a panic attack due to a high rapid heart rate or\u00a0<a style=\"color: #000000;\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nhs.uk\/conditions\/high-blood-pressure\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\">increased blood pressure<\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Unlike heart issues, rest helps ease these feelings in most cases. Recognition of other signs determines whether it is related to mental health or cardiac problems\u2014leading into shortness of breath next.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><strong><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Common Symptoms of Anxiety<\/span><\/strong><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Anxiety can affect the body and mind in many ways. It often triggers strong physical reactions linked to stress.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Am I Having a Panic Attack or a Heart Attack? with Dr. Christina Adams | San Diego Health\" width=\"1140\" height=\"641\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/TE8sPTugf_g?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/p>\n<h3><strong><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Rapid heartbeat<\/span><\/strong><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">A rapid heartbeat can feel alarming. It may be a sign of anxiety or a medical condition like\u00a0<a style=\"color: #000000;\" href=\"https:\/\/www.mayoclinic.org\/diseases-conditions\/atrial-fibrillation\/symptoms-causes\/syc-20350624\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\">atrial fibrillation<\/a>. Anxiety triggers the fight or flight response, releasing hormones such as adrenaline and cortisol.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">This increases heart rate quickly. Stress, caffeine, and even fear can make your heart race during panic attacks.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Medical conditions like hyperthyroidism also cause an abnormal heart rhythm. Unlike anxiety symptoms, these need medical attention. Breathing exercises may help slow down a racing heart caused by severe anxiety or panic disorder.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Take calm breaths\u2014one every six seconds\u2014to manage this symptom effectively.<\/span><\/p>\n<blockquote><p><span style=\"color: #008000;\">Calm breathing regulates both mind and body in moments of stress.<\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<h3><strong><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Sweating and trembling<\/span><\/strong><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Sweating and trembling often occur during anxiety attacks. These responses are part of the &#8220;fight or flight&#8221; reaction triggered by stressors. For example, a stressful meeting or sudden traumatic event can lead to these symptoms.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">The body releases adrenaline, causing shaky hands and excessive sweating.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Heart-related conditions rarely cause noticeable hand tremors but may involve cold sweats instead. Sweating from heart attacks often pairs with chest pain, breathlessness, or squeezing pain in the arms.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">An acute heart attack might also feel like extreme weakness alongside clammy skin. If you suspect cardiac trouble, seek immediate help at an emergency room in facilities like BIDMC or other UAE healthcare centres for proper examination.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><strong><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Sense of impending doom<\/span><\/strong><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">A racing heart and trembling often lead to feelings of terror. This overwhelming fear can escalate into a sense of impending doom, common during panic attacks. People may suddenly feel certain they are in danger or facing death, even without real threats.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">This sensation is linked to the body\u2019s fight or flight response. The brain reacts as if there\u2019s an immediate crisis, causing rapid heartbeat and abnormal thoughts. These symptoms can mimic those of a heart attack, making it hard to differentiate between anxiety and cardiac events like atrial fibrillation or sudden cardiac arrest.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><strong><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Key Differences Between Heart Disease and Anxiety Symptoms<\/span><\/strong><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Heart disease symptoms often link to physical strain, while anxiety signs stem from emotional stress\u2014read on for clearer insights.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Am I having a heart attack or a panic attack?\" width=\"1140\" height=\"641\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/eC_Of8Fu83E?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/p>\n<h3><strong><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Onset and duration of symptoms<\/span><\/strong><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Anxiety symptoms often appear suddenly and peak within 10 minutes. These include a racing heart, sweating, or a sense of impending doom. Panic attacks can last between 15 to 30 minutes but feel much longer due to heightened stress responses like rapid breathing.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Heart disease-related issues such as chest pain or shortness of breath develop gradually. Pain may worsen with physical exertion and linger for hours. A squeezing pain in the chest during a heart attack usually requires immediate medical attention, unlike anxiety episodes that ease with relaxation exercises or exposure therapy over time.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><strong><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Physical versus emotional triggers<\/span><\/strong><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Heart disease symptoms often follow physical triggers. Activities like climbing stairs or heavy lifting can cause chest pain, shortness of breath, or fatigue. These signs stem from reduced blood flow due to blocked arteries in the chambers of the heart.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Physical exertion worsens this problem and may hint at conditions like atrial fibrillation or heart failure.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Panic attacks arise from emotional triggers like stress, trauma, or social phobia. Anxiety causes a fight-or-flight response with rapid heartbeat, sweating, and trembling. Unlike heart issues, these reactions link more to fears and nervous overthinking than physical strain.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Stress management methods such as deep breathing and meditation help calm these feelings quickly.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>Response to rest or relaxation<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Symptoms from anxiety often ease with rest or relaxation. Breathing exercises, such as taking one breath every six seconds, slow the rapid heart rate and reduce panic symptoms. Practising mindfulness calms the fight or flight response triggered by stress.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Heart disease symptoms, like chest pain or shortness of breath, may not improve with rest. Conditions like atrial fibrillation or abnormal heart rhythms might persist without medical intervention.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">It&#8217;s vital to distinguish between a racing heart caused by anxiety and signs of cardiovascular disease needing urgent care.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>Conclusion<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Understanding the difference between heart disease and anxiety symptoms is key. Quick action can save lives, especially during chest pain or shortness of breath. Recognising triggers and symptom patterns helps provide clarity.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Health professionals offer tests like cardiac catheterisation or therapy for panic disorders to guide treatment. Stay informed, seek help when needed, and take control of your health today!<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>Also, Read:<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong><span style=\"color: #0000ff;\"><a style=\"color: #0000ff;\" title=\"Chronic stress and anxiety can mimic heart disease symptoms, making it crucial to understand their differences for better heart health management.\" href=\"https:\/\/healthfinder.ae\/blog\/stress-and-heart-health-women-over-50\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Chronic stress and anxiety can mimic heart disease symptoms, making it crucial to understand their differences for better heart health management.<\/a><\/span><\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>FAQs for Heart Disease vs. Anxiety Symptoms<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 style=\"margin-bottom:20px;display:block;width:100%;margin-top:10px\"> <\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<style>\r\n\t\t\t\t<style>\r\n#wpsm_accordion_138 .wpsm_panel-heading{\r\n\tpadding:0px !important;\r\n}\r\n#wpsm_accordion_138 .wpsm_panel-title {\r\n\tmargin:0px !important; \r\n\ttext-transform:none !important;\r\n\tline-height: 1 !important;\r\n}\r\n#wpsm_accordion_138 .wpsm_panel-title a{\r\n\ttext-decoration:none;\r\n\toverflow:hidden;\r\n\tdisplay:block;\r\n\tpadding:0px;\r\n\tfont-size: 18px !important;\r\n\tfont-family: Open Sans !important;\r\n\tcolor:#000000 !important;\r\n\tborder-bottom:0px !important;\r\n}\r\n\r\n#wpsm_accordion_138 .wpsm_panel-title a:focus {\r\noutline: 0px !important;\r\n}\r\n\r\n#wpsm_accordion_138 .wpsm_panel-title a:hover, #wpsm_accordion_138 .wpsm_panel-title a:focus {\r\n\tcolor:#000000 !important;\r\n}\r\n#wpsm_accordion_138 .acc-a{\r\n\tcolor: #000000 !important;\r\n\tbackground-color:#e8e8e8 !important;\r\n\tborder-color: #ddd;\r\n}\r\n#wpsm_accordion_138 .wpsm_panel-default > .wpsm_panel-heading{\r\n\tcolor: #000000 !important;\r\n\tbackground-color: #e8e8e8 !important;\r\n\tborder-color: #e8e8e8 !important;\r\n\tborder-top-left-radius: 0px;\r\n\tborder-top-right-radius: 0px;\r\n}\r\n#wpsm_accordion_138 .wpsm_panel-default {\r\n\t\tborder:1px solid transparent !important;\r\n\t}\r\n#wpsm_accordion_138 {\r\n\tmargin-bottom: 20px;\r\n\toverflow: hidden;\r\n\tfloat: none;\r\n\twidth: 100%;\r\n\tdisplay: block;\r\n}\r\n#wpsm_accordion_138 .ac_title_class{\r\n\tdisplay: block;\r\n\tpadding-top: 12px;\r\n\tpadding-bottom: 12px;\r\n\tpadding-left: 15px;\r\n\tpadding-right: 15px;\r\n}\r\n#wpsm_accordion_138  .wpsm_panel {\r\n\toverflow:hidden;\r\n\t-webkit-box-shadow: 0 0px 0px rgba(0, 0, 0, .05);\r\n\tbox-shadow: 0 0px 0px rgba(0, 0, 0, .05);\r\n\t\tborder-radius: 4px;\r\n\t}\r\n#wpsm_accordion_138  .wpsm_panel + .wpsm_panel {\r\n\t\tmargin-top: 5px;\r\n\t}\r\n#wpsm_accordion_138  .wpsm_panel-body{\r\n\tbackground-color:#ffffff !important;\r\n\tcolor:#000000 !important;\r\n\tborder-top-color: #e8e8e8 !important;\r\n\tfont-size:16px !important;\r\n\tfont-family: Open Sans !important;\r\n\toverflow: hidden;\r\n\t\tborder: 2px solid #e8e8e8 !important;\r\n\t}\r\n\r\n#wpsm_accordion_138 .ac_open_cl_icon{\r\n\tbackground-color:#e8e8e8 !important;\r\n\tcolor: #000000 !important;\r\n\tfloat:right !important;\r\n\tpadding-top: 12px !important;\r\n\tpadding-bottom: 12px !important;\r\n\tline-height: 1.0 !important;\r\n\tpadding-left: 15px !important;\r\n\tpadding-right: 15px !important;\r\n\tdisplay: inline-block !important;\r\n}\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t<\/style>\t\r\n\t\t\t<\/style>\r\n\t\t\t<div class=\"wpsm_panel-group\" id=\"wpsm_accordion_138\" >\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<!-- Inner panel Start -->\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"wpsm_panel wpsm_panel-default\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"wpsm_panel-heading\" role=\"tab\" >\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t  <h4 class=\"wpsm_panel-title\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a  class=\"\"  data-toggle=\"collapse\" data-parent=\"#wpsm_accordion_138 \" href=\"javascript:void(0)\" data-target=\"#ac_138_collapse1\" onclick=\"do_resize()\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"ac_open_cl_icon fa fa-minus\"><\/span>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t \r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"ac_title_class\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span style=\"margin-right:6px;\" class=\"fa fa-laptop\"><\/span>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tHow can I tell the difference between a heart attack and a panic attack?\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t  <\/h4>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div id=\"ac_138_collapse1\" class=\"wpsm_panel-collapse collapse in\"  >\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t  <div class=\"wpsm_panel-body\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tA heart attack often causes squeezing pain or discomfort due to physical exertion, while a panic attack is linked to anxiety symptoms like rapid heart rate and chest tightness triggered by stress or fears.\t\t\t\t\t\t  <\/div>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<!-- Inner panel End -->\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<!-- Inner panel Start -->\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"wpsm_panel wpsm_panel-default\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"wpsm_panel-heading\" role=\"tab\" >\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t  <h4 class=\"wpsm_panel-title\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a  class=\"collapsed\"  data-toggle=\"collapse\" data-parent=\"#wpsm_accordion_138 \" href=\"javascript:void(0)\" data-target=\"#ac_138_collapse2\" onclick=\"do_resize()\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"ac_open_cl_icon fa fa-plus\"><\/span>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t \r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"ac_title_class\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span style=\"margin-right:6px;\" class=\"fa fa-laptop\"><\/span>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tWhat kind of chest pain suggests heart disease?\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t  <\/h4>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div id=\"ac_138_collapse2\" class=\"wpsm_panel-collapse collapse \"  >\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t  <div class=\"wpsm_panel-body\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tHeart disease usually leads to sharp or squeezing chest pain that may spread to other areas, especially during physical activity, unlike anxiety-related chest discomfort caused by the fight-or-flight response.\t\t\t\t\t\t  <\/div>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<!-- Inner panel End -->\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<!-- Inner panel Start -->\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"wpsm_panel wpsm_panel-default\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"wpsm_panel-heading\" role=\"tab\" >\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t  <h4 class=\"wpsm_panel-title\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a  class=\"collapsed\"  data-toggle=\"collapse\" data-parent=\"#wpsm_accordion_138 \" href=\"javascript:void(0)\" data-target=\"#ac_138_collapse3\" onclick=\"do_resize()\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"ac_open_cl_icon fa fa-plus\"><\/span>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t \r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"ac_title_class\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span style=\"margin-right:6px;\" class=\"fa fa-laptop\"><\/span>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tCan anxiety cause symptoms similar to abnormal heartbeats?\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t  <\/h4>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div id=\"ac_138_collapse3\" class=\"wpsm_panel-collapse collapse \"  >\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t  <div class=\"wpsm_panel-body\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tYes, anxiety can lead to racing heart, palpitations, or an increase in heart rate. However, these are temporary compared to persistent abnormal rhythms seen in conditions like atrial fibrillation.\t\t\t\t\t\t  <\/div>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<!-- Inner panel End -->\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<!-- Inner panel Start -->\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"wpsm_panel wpsm_panel-default\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"wpsm_panel-heading\" role=\"tab\" >\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t  <h4 class=\"wpsm_panel-title\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a  class=\"collapsed\"  data-toggle=\"collapse\" data-parent=\"#wpsm_accordion_138 \" href=\"javascript:void(0)\" data-target=\"#ac_138_collapse4\" onclick=\"do_resize()\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"ac_open_cl_icon fa fa-plus\"><\/span>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t \r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"ac_title_class\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span style=\"margin-right:6px;\" class=\"fa fa-laptop\"><\/span>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tDoes shortness of breath always mean there\u2019s a problem with the heart?\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t  <\/h4>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div id=\"ac_138_collapse4\" class=\"wpsm_panel-collapse collapse \"  >\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t  <div class=\"wpsm_panel-body\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tNot always\u2014shortness of breath could be tied to anxieties or panic disorder rather than issues like stroke or heart failure. Identifying triggers helps determine the cause.\t\t\t\t\t\t  <\/div>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<!-- Inner panel End -->\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<!-- Inner panel Start -->\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"wpsm_panel wpsm_panel-default\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"wpsm_panel-heading\" role=\"tab\" >\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t  <h4 class=\"wpsm_panel-title\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a  class=\"collapsed\"  data-toggle=\"collapse\" data-parent=\"#wpsm_accordion_138 \" href=\"javascript:void(0)\" data-target=\"#ac_138_collapse5\" onclick=\"do_resize()\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"ac_open_cl_icon fa fa-plus\"><\/span>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t \r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"ac_title_class\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span style=\"margin-right:6px;\" class=\"fa fa-laptop\"><\/span>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tAre therapies effective for managing both conditions?\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t  <\/h4>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div id=\"ac_138_collapse5\" class=\"wpsm_panel-collapse collapse \"  >\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t  <div class=\"wpsm_panel-body\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tYes! Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and exposure therapy help manage generalised anxiety disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms. For suspected cardiac problems, medical tests such as cardiac catheterisation are essential.\t\t\t\t\t\t  <\/div>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<!-- Inner panel End -->\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<!-- Inner panel Start -->\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"wpsm_panel wpsm_panel-default\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"wpsm_panel-heading\" role=\"tab\" >\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t  <h4 class=\"wpsm_panel-title\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a  class=\"collapsed\"  data-toggle=\"collapse\" data-parent=\"#wpsm_accordion_138 \" href=\"javascript:void(0)\" data-target=\"#ac_138_collapse6\" onclick=\"do_resize()\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"ac_open_cl_icon fa fa-plus\"><\/span>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t \r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"ac_title_class\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span style=\"margin-right:6px;\" class=\"fa fa-laptop\"><\/span>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tWhen should I seek professional help for chest-related issues?\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t  <\/h4>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div id=\"ac_138_collapse6\" class=\"wpsm_panel-collapse collapse \"  >\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t  <div class=\"wpsm_panel-body\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tSeek immediate care if you have severe squeezing pain combined with dizziness or fainting\u2014it might indicate serious conditions like a stroke or advanced stages of untreated depression affecting your cardiovascular health systemically over time!\t\t\t\t\t\t  <\/div>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<!-- Inner panel End -->\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\r\n\t\t\t\r\n<script type=\"text\/javascript\">\r\n\t\r\n\t\tfunction do_resize(){\r\n\r\n\t\t\tvar width=jQuery( '.wpsm_panel .wpsm_panel-body iframe' ).width();\r\n\t\t\tvar height=jQuery( '.wpsm_panel .wpsm_panel-body iframe' ).height();\r\n\r\n\t\t\tvar toggleSize = true;\r\n\t\t\tjQuery('iframe').animate({\r\n\t\t\t    width: toggleSize ? width : 640,\r\n\t\t\t    height: toggleSize ? height : 360\r\n\t\t\t  }, 250);\r\n\r\n\t\t\t  toggleSize = !toggleSize;\r\n\t\t}\r\n\t\t\r\n<\/script>\t<\/span><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/healthfinder.ae\/dubai\/specialists\/cardiologists\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-111 size-full\" title=\"Cardiologists in Dubai\" src=\"https:\/\/healthfinder.ae\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Cardiologists-in-Dubai.webp\" alt=\"Cardiologists in Dubai\" width=\"1536\" height=\"298\" srcset=\"https:\/\/healthfinder.ae\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Cardiologists-in-Dubai.webp 1536w, https:\/\/healthfinder.ae\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Cardiologists-in-Dubai-300x58.webp 300w, https:\/\/healthfinder.ae\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Cardiologists-in-Dubai-1024x199.webp 1024w, https:\/\/healthfinder.ae\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Cardiologists-in-Dubai-768x149.webp 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1536px) 100vw, 1536px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Ever felt a sudden racing heart, chest pain, or shortness of breath and wondered\u2014is this a heart attack or just anxiety? You\u2019re not alone. Heart disease and anxiety attacks share many symptoms, making it difficult to know whether you need emergency medical care or calming techniques. Knowing the difference could save your life. Both heart [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":139,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-137","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-blog"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/healthfinder.ae\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/137","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/healthfinder.ae\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/healthfinder.ae\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/healthfinder.ae\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/healthfinder.ae\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=137"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/healthfinder.ae\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/137\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":310,"href":"https:\/\/healthfinder.ae\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/137\/revisions\/310"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/healthfinder.ae\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/139"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/healthfinder.ae\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=137"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/healthfinder.ae\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=137"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/healthfinder.ae\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=137"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}