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Panic attacks and heart attacks: how to tell the difference — Level A1 — a man holding his chest with his hands

Panic attacks and heart attacks: how to tell the differenceCEFR A1

26 Mar 2026

Adapted from U. Rochester-URMC, Futurity CC BY 4.0

Photo by Sasun Bughdaryan, Unsplash

Level A1 – Beginner
2 min
71 words
  • Panic attacks can cause chest pain and discomfort.
  • They can make the heartbeat fast and strong.
  • People can feel short of breath and tight.
  • Sweating and shaking are common during attacks.
  • Dizziness or nausea may also happen suddenly.
  • Panic attacks usually start and peak within minutes.
  • Heart attacks also cause chest pain and breathlessness.
  • Heart attack pain can spread to jaw or arm.
  • If symptoms last or get worse, seek help.

Difficult words

  • panic attackA sudden strong fear with physical symptoms
    Panic attacks
  • chest painPain in the front of the upper body
  • short of breathNot able to breathe easily or deeply
  • dizzinessA feeling that you may fall or spin
  • nauseaA sick feeling in the stomach
  • heart attackA serious medical event with chest pain
    Heart attacks
  • seekTo try to get help or information

Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.

Discussion questions

  • Do you ever feel dizzy or nauseous?
  • What would you do if you felt chest pain?
  • Would you ask for help if your symptoms got worse?

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