It feels like your heart is getting squeezed. You can't get a deep breath. You get chest pains. You feel weak. You genuinely feel as though you're about to die.
Then it all goes away.
What happened? Many people worry they suffered from a heart attack. But what you may have suffered from is a panic attack. Don't let the name fool you - panic attacks cause very real physical symptoms that mimic those of a heart attack, yet in general, nothing is wrong with your heart.
Why are these anxiety attacks so powerful and how can they be stopped? We'll explore these anxiety attacks below.
The Types of Anxiety
Anxiety attacks can occur with any type of anxiety, but are most commonly associated with panic disorder. The key to understanding and treating these issues is to get a better understanding of your own anxiety and how it manifests.
The Anxiety Attack Experience
Panic attacks are often misunderstood because of the word "panic." In truth, they're filled with primarily physical symptoms. These symptoms include:
- Rapid heartbeat.
- Lightheadedness.
- Chest pain.
- Trouble getting a deep breath.
- Weakness or tingling in the extremities.
There are mental symptoms as well, but many relate to the physical symptoms. Panic attacks often cause an intense feeling of doom, usually around these health problems - the same feeling of doom you would likely experience if you were suffering from a heart attack.
