Symptoms of Panic Attacks

Panic attacks are sudden, unreasonable feelings of fear and anxiety. As many as 22.7% of the general population has experienced at least one panic attack at some point in their lives.

During a panic attack, one may experience several physiological changes.

• Increased heart rate.
• Excessive sweating in the palms or under your arms.
• Chills or hot flashes.
• You feel like you are choking or there is a lump in your throat. Sometimes these feelings could make it hard for you to breathe.
• Tightness, pain or discomfort in the chest.
• Lightheadedness and dizziness.
• Your body starts shaking or you feel trembling sensations in the arms, legs, feet, and hands.
• Numbness in your toes and fingers
• Feeling sick in the stomach, to the extent of dry heaving or vomiting.

These bodily reactions are often accompanied by thoughts, such as:

• “I am going crazy”.
• “I have no control over my actions.”
• “Is this real. Am I in my dream?”
• “I am having a heart attack.”
• “I am going to die.”

Some of these symptoms actually mimic the symptoms of a heart attack. Hence, it may be worthwhile to take a look at some differences between a panic attack and a heart attack,

Differences between a Panic Attack and a Heart Attack

Heart attack often develops during physical exertion, when there is an increased work load on the heart. On the other hand, a panic attack can happen anytime, even when one is at rest.

Besides, panic attacks tend to subside and gradually resolve on their own. A heart attack, however, may continue and worsen over time.

Lastly, patients with a heart attack normally report a squeezing pain and pressure in their chest. A panic attack, however, involves a sharp, stabbing pain in the middle of the chest.

Risk Factors of a Panic Attack

While a panic attack resembles our body’s natural fight-or-flight response to threatening circumstances, there are no specific causes for the occurrence of a panic attack when there is no obvious danger. However, the combination of several risk factors are found to be contributing to a panic attack. These include:

• Build-up of stress, which could be a result of major life events or changes in life.
• Family history of panic attack or panic disorder.
• Past experience of a traumatic event.
• Childhood adversity, which may include a history of physical or sexual abuse.
• Excessive intake of stimulants, such as caffeine and nicotine.

Conclusion

While the experience of a panic attack is extremely unpleasant, its physiological reactions are normal fear reactions. That being said, if you are experiencing repeated episodes of panic attacks, it would be best to seek professional help.