Panic Attacks Can Seem Like a Heart Attack

People who experience panic anxiety are often very fearful that they are having a heart attack. The overwhelming majority of people who experience panic and show up in the emergency room have not had a heart attack or cardiovascular event. That said, it is prudent for you to be examined on an emergent basis by a physician if you believe you are having a heart attack.

FACT: Panic attacks cause a high use of emergency room services.

If you ask anyone who has had a panic attack, they will tell you that if was very frightening. Panic attacks can come without warning and can occur anywhere at any time. Many people recall their first attack as the worst. Despite the above, we now know that panic attacks are more common than people think. You are not alone. Let's look at panic attacks in greater detail.

Symptoms of Panic Attacks

The symptoms of panic attacks include the following:

Weakness feelings
Racing or pounding heart rate
Shortness of breath
Tightness in the chest
Perspiration or "sweating"
Tingling sensations in the hands or feet
A sense of impending doom

Panic Attack Causes

While there are many possible causes, panic attacks are often caused by the following:

Major Stressful Life Events

Genetic Predisposition
Low Blood Sugar
Social Anxiety
Fear of Failure
Thyroid Problems
Mitral Valve Prolapse or Abnormal Heart Beat
Fear of Enclosed Spaces

What to Do

First, it is imperative that you understand that panic feelings are very brief and will end. Tell yourself the following: "I am having a panic attack and it will end."
Acknowledge that you are having a panic attack. Accept that you are having panic feelings and that it will pass if you go with the flow like a wave in the ocean.
Close your eyes and your mouth. This will slow down your breathing and prevent hyperventilation.
Redirect your attention and focus on an object in the environment. Refocus your attention to something and thus away from the panic.

IMPORTANT: When the panic feelings pass, reinforce in your mind that you had a panic attack and not a heart attack. As noted above, always be examined by your personal care physician, but again panic attacks are common and rarely are they a heart attack. Talk with your physician about what symptoms should trigger you to go the emergency room.

What About Medication?

Medication does to solve panic attacks or panic disorder. There are many side effects of anti-anxiety medications and include the following: memory problems, weight gain, skin rash, fatigue, drowsiness, decreased sex drive, increased appetite, insomnia, diarrhea, blurred vision, and dependence.

Psychologists often see people who have become dependent on the medication since you need higher and higher doses of the medication over time. It is better to learn ways to overcome the panic unless you want to be taking medication indefinitely.

Can Meditation Help?

Mindfulness meditation can be a very helpful method for overcoming panic. There are no side effects from meditation and mediation also has other benefits for your health. Meditation helps people manage anxiety and can help reduce anxiety episodes of practiced regularly. Meditation also can enhance self-awareness, increase your attention span and reduce age-related cognitive decline.

A 2011 study by Britta K. Hölzel and others at Harvard found that eight weeks of mindfulness medication increased thickness of the brain in the area of the hippocampus which manages learning and memory. Meditation changes the brain in positive ways that enhance your health and well-being.

Is Help Available for Panic?

If you or someone you care about suffers from panic attacks or panic disorder help is available. You don't have to become dependent on medication. Reach out for a FREE no obligation consultation today.

FREE CONSULTATION

The above tips about panic anxiety and panic attacks are a great starting point for learning about and coping with this sometimes debilitating problem. Help is available. The future is positive for people who reach out for help in overcoming panic. Natural and drug-free methods are available. Until then please breathe and develop calming and positive feeling images in your mind.

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ANXIETY TREATMENT IN JACKSONVILLE HERE

REFERENCES

1. Britta K. Hölzel, James Carmody, Mark Vangel, Christina Congleton, Sita M. Yerramsetti, Tim Gard, Sara W. Lazar. Mindfulness practice leads to increases in regional brain gray matter density. Psychiatry Research: Neuroimaging, 2011; 191 (1): 36

2. Where do panic attack sufferers seek care? Katerndahl DA, Realini JP ,J Fam Pract. 1995 Mar; 40(3):237-43.