Anxiety Symptoms in Adults, Panic Attack vs Heart Attack and When to Get Help (2026 Guide)
Last updated: October 25, 2026.
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- If you are struggling or having thoughts of suicide, call or text 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org. Call 911 in life-threatening situations.
- NIMH lists symptoms of generalized anxiety such as excessive worry, feeling on edge, trouble concentrating, sleep problems and muscle tension.
- Panic attack symptoms can feel like a heart attack, so call 911 if you are unsure about chest pain.
- Treatment is usually therapy, medication or both, and healthy habits support but do not replace treatment.
If you or someone you know is struggling or having thoughts of suicide, call or text the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988, or chat at 988lifeline.org. In life-threatening situations, call 911. (NIMH)
Racing thoughts, a pounding heart, a tight chest and trouble sleeping can make anxiety feel like a physical illness, and many people search for answers late at night. This guide uses the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH, part of NIH) and the American Heart Association (AHA) to explain common anxiety symptoms in adults, how panic attacks differ from heart attacks, how anxiety disorders are diagnosed and treated, and when to get help. We also read public discussions on Mayo Clinic Connect to see what people ask, and we answer those questions from official sources. This is general information, not medical advice and not a diagnosis.
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1. Normal Worry vs. an Anxiety Disorder
NIMH says feeling anxious is a normal part of life, and many people worry about health, money, school, work or family. Anxiety disorders involve more than occasional worry or fear: the anxiety does not go away, is felt in many situations and can get worse over time. The main types NIMH lists are generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, social anxiety disorder and various phobia-related disorders. NIMH says about a third of U.S. adolescents and adults experience an anxiety disorder at some point in their lives, and that in severe cases a person might feel intense fear in common situations, avoid social encounters or refuse to leave home. Its fact sheet adds that stress is the response to an external cause, while anxiety is the body's reaction to stress and can occur even if there is no current threat, and that if anxiety does not go away and begins to interfere with daily activities, you may have an anxiety disorder.
2. Common Symptoms of Anxiety in Adults
For generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), NIMH says people may worry excessively about everyday things, have trouble controlling their worries or feelings of nervousness, feel irritable or "on edge" frequently, feel restless or have trouble relaxing, have a hard time concentrating, have trouble falling or staying asleep or feel fatigued, and experience pain such as headaches, muscle aches, stomachaches or tension. Adults with GAD are often highly nervous about job security or performance, health, finances, the health and well-being of family members, being late and completing household responsibilities. NIMH adds that symptoms may fluctuate and are often worse during times of stress, and that GAD usually starts gradually in early adulthood and is more common in women than men.
3. Physical Symptoms of Anxiety
NIMH's GAD list includes physical symptoms: trembling or twitching, sweating a lot, feeling lightheaded or out of breath, a hard time swallowing, frequent trips to the bathroom, and pain such as headaches, muscle aches and stomachaches. During a panic attack it lists a pounding or racing heart, sweating, chills, trembling, difficulty breathing, weakness or dizziness, tingly or numb hands, chest pain, and stomach pain or nausea. Because many physical symptoms overlap with other conditions, NIMH says a provider may conduct a physical exam to ensure an unrelated physical problem is not causing your symptoms.
4. Panic Attack Symptoms and Heart Attack Warning
NIMH says panic attacks are characterized by a sudden wave of fear or discomfort or a sense of losing control even when there is no clear danger, and that the physical symptoms might feel like a heart attack. People with panic disorder may have a feeling of being out of control, a fear of death or impending doom during an attack, intense worry about when the next one will happen, and a fear or avoidance of places where attacks have occurred. A panic attack can last from a few minutes to an hour or sometimes longer, and NIMH says panic attacks themselves are not life-threatening and the physical symptoms usually resolve with time. An isolated panic attack is not a mental disorder. Panic disorder may be diagnosed when someone has recurrent, unexpected attacks along with at least 1 month of worry or behavior changes because of them.
The American Heart Association News says the symptoms of a heart attack and a panic attack are so similar that it sometimes can be hard to tell the difference, and a cardiologist quoted there advises that if in doubt, you should err on the side of caution and be quickly evaluated in an emergency room. It says most heart attacks start slowly with mild pain or discomfort that gradually worsens, that calling 911 and getting immediate treatment is critical, and that women are somewhat more likely to have symptoms such as shortness of breath, nausea and back or jaw pain. Do not try to decide at home whether chest pain is anxiety. If you are unsure, call 911.
5. Severe and Chronic Anxiety
NIMH says that for people with GAD, these feelings can last for months or even years, and to be diagnosed with GAD a person must find it difficult to control worry on most days for at least 6 months and have at least three symptoms such as feeling restless or on edge, fatigue, trouble concentrating, irritability, muscle tension or sleep problems. It also says some people with GAD have other conditions, including depression, other anxiety disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder, chronic pain syndromes, cardiovascular problems or suicidal thoughts or behaviors, and that GAD is commonly associated with alcohol and substance misuse. NIMH says treatment can be more complex with multiple conditions, and that a comprehensive plan may help.
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6. Sudden Anxiety in Adults
NIMH says panic attacks can occur at any time, sometimes even during sleep, and can occur as frequently as several times a day or as rarely as a few times a year. The AHA article says panic attacks come on quickly and generally reach peak intensity in about 10 minutes, and can be triggered by a traumatic event or major life stress but can also occur for no apparent reason. If anxiety seems to come out of nowhere, new or severe, or comes with chest pain, trouble breathing or fainting, get medical care to rule out a physical cause.
7. Treatment and Self-Care
NIMH says GAD treatment typically involves psychotherapy, medication or both, based on a person's needs, preferences and medical situation, and finding the best treatment may take trial and error. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is commonly used and NIMH calls it the "gold standard" choice for psychotherapy, and acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) is another option. Medications may include SSRI and SNRI antidepressants (which may take several weeks to start working and can cause side effects such as headaches, nausea or trouble sleeping), benzodiazepines (which can rapidly decrease anxiety but may lead to tolerance or dependence, so a provider may prescribe them only for brief periods) and buspirone (not a sedative, which needs 3 to 4 weeks to be fully effective). We do not recommend specific medicines. NIMH also says healthy habits such as reducing caffeine intake and getting enough sleep can reduce anxiety symptoms when paired with standard care, and that stress management such as exercise, mindfulness and meditation can reduce symptoms and enhance the effects of psychotherapy, though lifestyle changes alone cannot replace treatment. The AHA article quotes a psychologist saying exposure therapy is an effective treatment for panic disorder.
8. What People Share About Anxiety
We read public threads on Mayo Clinic Connect: "Change in my anxiety's physical symptoms. anyone else?" (2025), "What is Your Experience with Anxiety?" (2024) and "Signs to know that you're having anxiety attacks?" (2019). These are personal stories from members, not medical evidence, and we do not copy anyone's words or names.
- "Is my racing heart and chest tightness anxiety or something else?" Members described fast heartbeat, shaking, dizziness, sweating, shallow breathing and chest tightness, and one person asked how to know if they were having anxiety attacks. A reply suggested getting a medical check to rule out anything physical. That matches NIMH and the AHA: symptoms overlap, so ask a clinician and call 911 for chest pain you are unsure about.
- "My physical symptoms keep changing." A member with health-related anxiety asked whether others see their physical symptoms change over time. NIMH says GAD symptoms may fluctuate and are often worse during stress.
- "Does a medicine for the heart rate help?" One member said their cardiologist prescribed a heart-rate medicine that helped palpitations but not anxious thoughts. That is one person's experience and is not a recommendation. Ask your own doctor what is appropriate for you.
- "Are anti-anxiety pills a lifesaver or a trap?" Some members said a benzodiazepine was a lifesaver for them while others had heard to avoid them. NIMH says these medicines can be very effective but may cause tolerance or dependence, so providers may prescribe them only briefly. Never stop or change a prescribed medicine without your provider.
- "What else helps?" Members mentioned exercise they enjoy, hobbies, music with slow breathing and talking with their doctors. NIMH lists exercise, mindfulness and meditation as stress management techniques that can help when combined with treatment.
9. A Simple Tool for Tracking Symptoms
No product treats anxiety. If your provider suggests keeping track, a plain notebook for when symptoms happen, what was going on and how you slept can help you describe your experience at appointments. See our guide on large-print health logs.
10. When to Get Help
- Crisis: if you or someone you know is struggling or having thoughts of suicide, call or text 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org. In life-threatening situations, call 911 (NIMH).
- Chest pain or trouble breathing: call 911 if you are unsure whether it is a heart attack (AHA).
- Your anxiety starts to cause problems in everyday life, such as at work, school or with family and friends. NIMH says it is time to seek professional help.
- Your worry is hard to control most days for months, or panic attacks keep recurring or make you avoid places or activities (NIMH).
- You use alcohol or other substances to cope (NIMH notes anxiety disorders are commonly associated with alcohol and substance misuse).
- You can start with a primary care doctor, psychiatrist, psychologist or clinical social worker (NIMH). SAMHSA's website can help you locate mental health services.
11. Frequently Asked Questions
What are the symptoms of anxiety?
NIMH lists excessive worry, trouble controlling worry, feeling on edge, restlessness, trouble concentrating, sleep problems, fatigue, muscle tension and physical symptoms like headaches, sweating and lightheadedness.
How is a panic attack different from anxiety?
NIMH describes a panic attack as a sudden wave of intense fear with physical symptoms, often peaking within minutes, while anxiety disorders involve worry that persists and affects daily life.
Can anxiety cause chest pain?
Panic attacks can include chest pain, but NIMH and AHA both note symptoms can feel like a heart attack. If you are unsure, call 911 rather than guessing.
How is generalized anxiety disorder diagnosed?
NIMH says a person must have difficulty controlling worry on most days for at least 6 months and at least three of the listed symptoms, after a provider rules out other physical causes.
What is the best treatment for anxiety?
NIMH says treatment is usually psychotherapy, medication or both, chosen with a provider. CBT is described as the gold standard psychotherapy.
What should I do in a crisis?
Call or text 988, chat at 988lifeline.org, or call 911 for life-threatening situations.
Related Guides
- Signs of Depression in Men, Anger, Irritability and Where to Get Help (2026 Guide)
- Fast Anxiety Relief Techniques That NIMH and NCCIH Say Can Help
- ADHD Symptoms in Adults, Signs in Women vs Men, Diagnosis and Treatment (2026 Guide)
Sources
- NIMH: Anxiety Disorders
- NIMH: Generalized Anxiety Disorder, What You Need to Know
- NIMH: Panic Disorder, What You Need to Know
- American Heart Association News: How to tell the difference between a heart attack and panic attack (July 13, 2022, the article notes some information may be outdated)
- Patient discussions read for common questions: Mayo Clinic Connect, Change in my anxiety's physical symptoms; Mayo Clinic Connect, What is Your Experience with Anxiety?; Mayo Clinic Connect, Signs to know that you're having anxiety attacks?. These are personal experiences, not medical evidence.
- Amazon.com link checked October 25, 2026
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. This guide is general information, not medical or professional advice. This site is not affiliated with any government agency or product maker.
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