Panic attacks tend to gradually subside and resolve on their own within about 20 minutes. A heart attack, however, will often continue and may worsen over time.
Heart attack symptoms:
• Chest pain / pressure
• Pounding / racing heart
• Feeling lightheaded / faint
• Sweating / cold sweats
• Pain / discomfort in upper body (jaw, neck, arms, shoulders or back)
• Shortness of breath
• Nausea or vomiting
• Feeling of impending doom
Panic attack symptoms:
•Increased or racing heart rate
•Sudden onset or onset during extreme stress or anxiety
•Pain that gets better over time
•Symptoms that resolve within 20 - 30 minutes
•Shortness of breath
•Sweating
•Tingling in the hands