Do I need to see a Doctor?

[fulloflifemom]

My mother's health has recently gotten worse.  She has moved in with me and my family.  I'm in the process of trying to get her on the heart transplant list.  

So with this being said, I'm under an extreme amount of pressure.  My chest has been hurting something terrible.  My heart races and I become very dizzy and weak.  I also think I have indegestion as well.

I'm not sure how to tell if I'm having some heart issues or if its a panic attack.  I'm so limited on time and to afraid to go to the doctor.  If something is the matter I don't think we could handle another issue right now.  

I'm 35 and just wondering if someone can tell me how to know the difference between a  panic attack and heart attack?

[arpman6115]

I have had both, panic attacks for many years and recently a minor heart attack.  Both share some common symptoms.  I'm not a doctor but I beleive that panic attacks (stress) can ultimately lead to heart disease.  In any case, "better off safe than sorry".  Get checked out medically.  If its panic attacks they can treat it and then you can help with your mother.  If its heart problems and you don't catch them early, you can't help anyone.  I've been a police officer for over thirty years and have have "saved" more lives by convincing people to get medically checked out.  Don't be afraid to go to the doctor, be smart.

[mnmom9821]

Generally, chest pain with a panic attack is short, quick, stabbing type pains that can be anywhere in your chest. Their never seems to be rhyme or reason to the chest pains, and they often are in different places. With a heart attack, chest pains are usually described as more of a fullness, or pressure on the chest. It may radiate to other areas such as the neck, jaw, arm (particularly the left), or even the back. This pain is often described as the “worst pain ever” and their seems to be little doubt about what it actually is. Somehow, many people “know” a heart attack is a heart attack. Panic is rarely that bad in terms of pain. It is usually painful, but in a more faint type of way. The only real way to tell the difference between a panic attack and a heart attack is medical tests, doctors, and emergency services. These guidelines are only that. If you are experiencing chest pains, you should contact 911 and get emergency help as soon as possible. It is much better to be safe than sorry when it comes to discerning a panic attack and a heart attack. I'm sorry you are going through such stress right now, I can relate. My mother has been on Hospice care since April. Most of the time the care giver neglects themselves while giving care to others. You must take care of yourself or you'll be in the hospital bed next to her eventually.  Take care!!!