Pulmonary Hypertension vs. Anxiety: Understanding the Differences

Pulmonary hypertension is a condition that is sometimes confused with a panic attack and anxiety. The similar symptoms of both conditions make it somewhat difficult to assess whether or not someone has primary or secondary pulmonary hypertension or if they are experiencing the symptoms associated with a panic attack. It is possible, however, to identify symptoms that separate the similarities between the two conditions.

Things You'll Need

• Medical evaluations

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Instructions

The Process

• 1

  Seek out a medical evaluation immediately to rule out primary or secondary pulmonary hypertension if experiencing shortness of breath, specifically when exerting yourself or when you engage in any kind of exercise; panic attacks related to anxiety and breathing difficulties are similar but occur randomly, even when not exerting oneself, and often with increased frequency.

• 2

  Visit a doctor to assess whether or not you have unusual heart sounds. Heart sounds that illustrate a pulmonic valve closure, or a second heart sound, are indicative of pulmonary hypertension, whereas heart sounds from a panic attack might sound rapid or like palpitations.

• 3

  Look for swelling of the hands, wrists, ankles and feet, which is an indication of pulmonary hypertension that is not present in anxiety attacks.

• 4

  Look for the presence of ascites or swelling of the abdomen due to fluid accumulation. If found, seek medical attention, as this is one of the symptoms of pulmonary hypertension that is not shared with anxiety attacks.

• 5

  Look for swelling of the jugular vein; this is indicative of pulmonary hypertension. When having an anxiety attack, the jugular vein might be noticeable and strained during anxiety, but returns to normal after the attack occurs.

• 6

  Look at your fingers and assess them for any evidence of clubbing; this can be indicative of pulmonary hypertension. Clubbing does not occur with anxiety attacks.

• 7

  Seek counseling services for anxiety-related conditions, after ruling out pulmonary hypertension, to treat the underlying causes of anxiety.