These symptoms can be alarming and may lead you to worry about having heart disease. However, did you know that such symptoms may arise from other causes unrelated to heart disease, such as panic disorder? Today, we will clarify the differences between palpitations caused by panic disorder and those resulting from cardiac arrhythmia, to help you better understand the cause of your symptoms and take proper care of your health. Do not let health-related anxiety interfere with your peace of mind.
Panic disorder is a mental health condition characterized by sudden and intense episodes of fear or panic that can occur at any time, often more severe than ordinary stress. A panic attack typically lasts 10–20 minutes, but in some cases, it may persist for hours. Common symptoms include:
Panic disorder is treatable and potentially curable through several approaches that aim to manage symptoms and prevent recurrence:
Understanding: Family and friends should learn about panic disorder to offer encouragement, create a supportive environment, and help the patient feel secure.
Cardiac arrhythmia refers to abnormalities in the heart’s rhythm, which can manifest in two main forms:
Some patients may experience both conditions simultaneously, such as alternating between rapid and slow heartbeats or an irregular rhythm.
Symptoms of arrhythmia can vary widely, from being asymptomatic to presenting severe warning signs, including:
These symptoms warrant immediate medical attention for diagnosis and to prevent complications.
Arrhythmia involves abnormal heart rhythms that can be categorized into:
Diagnosing arrhythmia can be challenging due to the variability in symptoms and their duration—some last only seconds, while others may persist for hours. Accurate diagnosis requires capturing the heart’s electrical activity during symptoms using the following methods:
A basic test that records the heart's electrical signals and presents them as a graph. Best used when symptoms occur in a clinical setting.
A portable device worn for 24–48 hours to continuously record the heart’s activity, suitable for patients with daily or near-daily symptoms.
A patch-based device placed on the chest to record heart activity over several days is ideal for intermittent symptoms.
A portable device for patients with infrequent symptoms (e.g., once or twice a month). The patient activates it during symptom episodes.
A subcutaneous device implanted beneath the left chest wall, suitable for patients with rare but severe symptoms such as unexplained fainting.
Involves threading catheters through blood vessels into the heart to assess its electrical system and induce arrhythmias. Recommended when other tests fail to detect the abnormality.
Arrhythmias have various causes and levels of severity, requiring individualized treatment. Initial management includes addressing modifiable factors, such as avoiding stimulants and treating underlying diseases. If symptoms persist, direct intervention may be necessary:
Implanted under the collarbone, it regulates the heart rate when the heart beats too slowly or pauses temporarily.
Also implanted under the skin, this device delivers high-energy shocks to correct life-threatening arrhythmias.
A minimally invasive procedure using heat energy to destroy the abnormal heart tissue causing the arrhythmia.
A similar approach to RFCA but uses cold energy to target abnormal tissue. It is equally effective, less time-consuming, and may result in less pain or tissue damage.
Palpitations are common and may result from several causes, primarily panic disorder and cardiac arrhythmia.
Definitive diagnosis requires capturing an ECG during symptom episodes. The appropriate diagnostic method depends on the specific characteristics of each patient's symptoms.
Ultimately, distinguishing between palpitations caused by panic disorder and those from arrhythmia can be difficult for patients. Consulting a physician is the most crucial step in obtaining an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
