Are You Having a Heart Attack… or an Anxiety Attack?

You’re sitting in your chair, just watching TV.

But suddenly your chest tightens.

Your hands go numb.

Your heart starts racing.

You feel dizzy… lightheaded… and terrified.

“Am I having a heart attack?”

It’s a question that’s sending men—especially men—rushing to the emergency room.

And while it could be a heart attack…

It could also be something else. Something just as dangerous—if not more so—when ignored.

It could be anxiety.

And this silent threat is catching up with older adults, too.

New research out of Australia has found that young men are flooding ambulance services because of full-blown anxiety attacks.

Symptoms like chest pain, shortness of breath, trembling, numbness, and a sense of doom are mistaken for heart attacks—and understandably so. These aren’t “all in your head” symptoms.

They’re real. They’re physical. And they’re terrifying.

But here’s the twist: while the study focused on younger men, older adults are NOT immune.

In fact, seniors face a perfect storm of anxiety triggers:

• Rising healthcare costs
• Fixed incomes and financial strain
• Social isolation
• The loss of a spouse or loved one
• Worsening health or fear of diagnosis
• And let’s not forget—a world that feels more uncertain by the day

That’s a heavy burden to carry.

Yet despite how common anxiety is in older adults, many still aren’t getting diagnosed or treated. Why?

Because anxiety wears different masks. You may feel it as back pain… insomnia… dizziness… a pounding heart… or sudden sweating.

You may brush it off as a “bad day” or just “getting older.” And if you’re like many, you might not want to talk about it at all.

But not talking about it is exactly the problem.

When anxiety builds up and goes unchecked, it can spiral into:

• Heart disease
• Poor immune function
• Increased inflammation
• Worsening memory and cognitive issues
• Or even depression and suicidal thoughts

And yes, it can drive people to call 911—believing they’re on the brink of death.

So what’s the answer?

You don’t need to wait for the next panic to strike. These natural tools can help lower anxiety and bring your body back to calm:

Practice deep breathing: Just 5 minutes of slow, deep breaths can calm your nervous system. Try box breathing—inhale for 4, hold for 4, exhale for 4, hold for 4.

Get out in nature: Research shows that even 20 minutes of walking outdoors can reduce cortisol (your stress hormone).

Cut back on caffeine and alcohol: Both can aggravate anxiety symptoms, especially in sensitive individuals.

Try calming supplements: Look into L-theanine, magnesium glycinate, and ashwagandha—natural relaxants that support stress response.

Talk to someone: Whether it’s a trusted doctor, a therapist, or a friend—talking can help bring clarity and relief.

The world may tell you to “tough it out,” or to hide your fear.

But real strength? It’s knowing when to ask for help.

Because no one should go through this alone—not you, not your sons, not your grandsons.

Anxiety is real. It’s physical.

And it’s treatable.

Let’s stop treating it like a secret.

Stay calm, stay grounded… and keep breathing,

Rachel Mace
Managing Editorial Director, e-Alert
with contributions from the research team

P.S. Is your gut the answer to anxiety? Scientists say “YES!”

Sources:

The Conversation. (2025, May 27). Heart Attack Or Panic Attack? Why Young Men Are Calling Ambulances For Unmanaged Anxiety. Study Finds. https://studyfinds.org/heart-attack-panic-attack-why-young-men-calling-ambulances-anxiety/