Panic attacks are different from heart attacks, these are the facts

Panic attacks can be felt by anyone and anywhere suddenly. Although generally not dangerous, but attacks that are often mistaken for a heart attack, for some people, can feel overwhelming. Panic attacks are intense anxiety characterized by physical symptoms that generally occur suddenly and for no apparent reason. Some people who experience panic attacks may feel like fainting or as if their lives will end. When in fact these symptoms are generally not dangerous. The panic that usually occurs for 5-20 minutes is often mistaken for a heart attack. In general, someone who has a panic attack does not need to be hospitalized, although some other people may need treatment.

Panic Attack or Heart Attack

Heart attacks and panic have similar symptoms such as sudden onset and rapid heart rhythm. So how do we distinguish it? One thing that underlies the difference between these two conditions is a heart attack usually has symptoms in the form of irregular heartbeats that arise and stop suddenly. While panic attacks, heart rate will slowly return to normal. Another difference is that a heart attack can be accompanied by symptoms that change drastically. For example, two or three heartbeats are very fast, followed by 3 heartbeats which slow down, then fast again. Whereas in panic attacks, the heart rate feels fast but regular.

Let's Recognize Panic Attacks in More Detail

Symptoms of panic attacks can be triggered when the body is in a state of alert and tense. At this time, the body releases the hormone adrenaline which causes the muscles to tighten and the heart to beat faster. Breathing becomes faster but shorter so hyperventilation occurs. Normal breathing occurs when oxygen and carbon dioxide levels in the body are balanced. When hyperventilation occurs, then this balance is disrupted and carbon dioxide levels in the body become very low. So do not be surprised if someone who has panic attacks can experience physical signs, such as body trembling, sweating more, irregular heartbeat, ringing in the ears, dizzy head, feeling like choking, shortness of breath, tingling fingers, chest pain , and as if feeling lost control of yourself. This condition that often occurs in young adulthood is more at risk for women than men. In some cases, this condition can be inherited in the family (heredity). In some people, panic attacks are more at risk when experiencing fundamental life changes, such as having a first child or starting the first day at a new workplace. Conditions of fear of something (phobias), obsessive compulsive disorder syndrome, and the use of marijuana can also be a cause of panic attacks.

Panic attacks can be controlled at the same time prevented

People with panic attacks are unfortunately more at risk for depression, drug abuse, alcoholism, or attempted suicide. The good news, according to a clinical psychology professor, panic attacks can actually still be controlled. Situations that are generally caused by anxiety should not be diverted, but must be dealt with. Positive results can be more easily and quickly achieved if there is someone who always accompanies the sufferer. Here are some steps that can be taken to control and prevent panic attacks.

• Cultivate breathing. Inhale slowly and deeply through your nose, hold for at least five seconds. Exhale slowly through the mouth. Do it with your eyes closed so the mind can focus on the breathing process. This breathing exercise should not only be done during a panic attack, but do it every day to help prevent and mitigate the attack if it strikes again.
• Stabilize blood sugar levels by eating regularly. It's also a good idea to stop smoking, reduce alcohol, and limit caffeinated beverages that can make the attack worse.
• Regular aerobic exercise can help relieve tension, relieve stress, increase self-confidence, and improve daily mood.

One more thing that is no less important, try to look at the triggers of stress that might cause panic attacks. Despite the fact that this condition is not considered a medical emergency, but if it is felt to be worrying, it is better to check to ensure that the symptoms are not signs of a more serious illness. Go to a doctor if you experience panic attacks with the following symptoms.

• Breathing is back to normal, but you still feel unwell.
• Panic attacks continue after breathing slowly for 20 minutes.
• Feeling panic disorder due to frequent panic attacks.
• Chest pain and / or heartbeat are still irregular even though the panic attack has ended.

Someone who needs medical help can be helped with cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) procedures to change the mindset that triggers panic attacks. Your doctor may also prescribe antidepressant drugs or heart disease medications known as beta-blocking drugs to help prevent panic disorders.