Usually a panic attack lasts no more than an hour, while a crisis can last from several hours to 2 days. In many ways, the symptoms of these two dangerous conditions are similar. Anna Korelina, a cardiologist, cardiologist, candidate of medical sciences, helped to figure out what the difference is.
According to the expert, both conditions are dangerous for humans. In many ways, the symptoms are similar, but it is important to understand how one differs from the other.
Hypertensive crisis: symptoms
A hypertensive crisis is a sharp rise in blood pressurewhich can result in a heart attack or stroke, heart rhythm disturbance or acute heart failure.
In this state, a person experiences symptoms such as weakness, discomfort in the heart area, dizziness or headache, palpitations and tremors in the body. Nausea and vomiting are also possible, as well as shortness of breath, a feeling of fear and frequent urination.
Panic attack: symptoms
This condition is characterized sudden onset of fear, panic and anxiety. Usually a panic attack is also accompanied by palpitations, pain and discomfort in the chest, a feeling of lack of air, nausea and urge to go to the toilet.
How to distinguish a crisis from a panic attack
Attack duration
A panic attack usually resolves within 30 to 50 minutes. In the case of a hypertensive crisis, the symptoms can drag on for 2-3 hours or a couple of days.
Feeling of fear
During a panic attack, a person feels a terrible sense of fear and literally cannot find a place for himself. Some may even scream. With a hypertensive crisis, this feeling is much weaker or absent altogether.
heartbeat
During a panic attack, the pulse is very high, as if the heart is about to jump out of the chest. At the same time, during a hypertensive crisis, the rhythm is weak – 50-55 beats per minute.
Pressure
In a hypertensive crisis, the pressure will be very high up to 220 (upper numbers) over 100-120 (lower numbers). During a panic attack, the pressure will not rise above 180 to 80-100.
The impact of medical care on the condition
An ambulance doctor can always stop a hypertensive crisis, but it is extremely difficult to pacify an attack of a panic attack. Pills do not work here, the help of a clinical psychologist is required.
For more information about why a panic attack begins and how to survive it, read the material “The Secret”.
Help with hypertensive crisis
In the event of a hypertensive crisis, it is important to seat or put the big one to bed, provide fresh air and free from tight clothing. It will not be superfluous to recall the benefits of breathing exercises.
If you take a deep breath, hold your breath a little and try to exhale with noise, you can alleviate the condition a little while waiting for the ambulance to arrive.
