Not even remotely the same:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Da_costa%27s_syndrome
Da Costa's Syndrome is a type of anxiety disorder first observed in soldiers in the American Civil War. It causes symptoms similar to heart disease but, upon examination, nothing is found to be physically wrong with the patient. The symptoms usually consist of fatigue upon exertion, combined with shortness of breath, palpitations, sweating, chest pain, shaking, and, less commonly, fainting. The symptoms may increase whilst exercising, and it is thought to be caused partly by hyperventilation.

is it similar to a panic attack?

It's very similar to panic attacks coupled with chronic fatigue. DeCostas Syndrome has not been proven as a specific disorder, but most likely a combination of symptoms that have much clearer disgnoses recently.