Can a panic attack really cause these symptoms??

Question

I was driving home, suddenly had trouble breathing (a lot), got dizzy, my vision got weird and my chest started hurting. I had to call 911 and go to the hospital. I didn't think I was particularly anxious but they told me my heart was ok.

thanks everyone =)

Answer 1

It can be a panic attack, yes, and it can also be something else. I've experienced most of those symptoms during panic attacks.

I'd follow up with your regular doctor to make sure you're physically okay. Then you can start talking about treatment (therapy or medication--or even changing certain habits and taking up a hobby like yoga or meditation) to deal with your anxiety, if that's what it is. Good luck.

Answer 2

Yes, panic attacks make a person feel like they are going to die.
And you don't have to be real anxious at the time. It is like the stress inside builds up and come out when you least expect it.
It is important now for you to get to the root of why you are anxious and start to deal with it. The bad thing about anxiety attacks is that they end up happening when you least expect it. Suddenly you might have a hard time in an elevator or an airplane. It is best to learn to stop the attacks before they start. Learn the first symptoms and then relax and deep breath loosen up that tension before it turns in to a full attack.

I had horrible attacks during my divorce and I have learned to breath and relax so that once an attack starts. Eventually I now rarely have the attacks. It is one of those things that snowball if the attacks continue.

Try and get some counseling. Work on attack prevention. Make some changes in your life so that your body doesn't have to have attacks.

Answer 3

Hello Comma toes. Yes, those are exactly the symptoms of a panic attack. (shortness of breath, dizziness, vision getting weird, and chest pain). I also suffered from panic attacks. The first time I got one I went to emergency at a hospital, I felt that I was having a heart attack. Panic attacks are caused by an imbalance in brain neurotrasmiters. It will be helpful to seek professional help. The doctor can prescribe medicines that diminish these symptoms. The trick with panic attacks is not to feel scared of them. If you are not scared the panic attack will go away after a while. If you are scared you will get another one. Breath deep many times. Get involved in activities like yoga (learn breathing techniques) and acupuncture. The spiritual explanation of panic attacks is that spirits are "attacking" you, and that is why your body´s alarm response sets on. After medication and these breathing techniques I overcame my panic attacks. [e-mail]

Answer 4

Absolutely. A panic attack can make one feel as though he or she is going to die of a heart attack. The first symptom I get is the inability to swallow. Then my chest and arm start hurting. I, too, get a blurry type of vision, and the inability to speak right.

Fortunately, Klonopin (clonazepam) keeps my attacks under control. I need to take a pill about 45 minutes before I leave the house--but it works for six to eight hours. Some people take Valium or Xanax for these, but they only work for a couple of hours--so many more of them need to be taken over the course of a day. All that I have mentioned are addicting--cannot be stopped suddenly--and do have withdrawal symptoms; even seizures.

Answer 5

Yes! Panic Attacks can cause chest pain,rapid heart beat,trouble breathing,blurred vision,sweat,memory, confusion ,and dry mouth.
This could also be diabetes or thyroid diease.

I think when you went to the E.R. you may have felt better being near a heath care personal, and that is why they did not find anything. I would go back to see my doctor for more advice.Sometimes the E.R. does not have the time to look further into symptoms. Because they have so many patients.

Answer 6

It could be a panic attack, but if you did not feel anxious, I would think it was something physical. It is good to hear that your heart was OK, but did they do any other exams? Sounds like a medical problem. I wouldn't worry if this doesn't happen again; however if you have insurance and a regular doctor, I would go in for an office visit.

Answer 7

I have had panic attacks for about 10 years. Yes, all the symptoms you described can be the result of a panic attack. They can also be a lot of other things--so a good physical exam should be your first action.

I found my attacks are completely "out of the blue." I don't feel nervous or anxious when I have them. I have learned that it is a chemical reaction. It is called the "flight or fight" reaction the body experiences in times of crisis--but for some reason mine "misfires" for no apparent reason.

i take an antidepressant that helps immensely--but i still occasionally have one.

Once i figured out what they were, the fear of having one left.

Good luck

Answer 8

Yes, panic attacks can cause all of those symptoms. They can be very scary, the first time I had one I went to the hospital and though I was going to die.


Symptoms include
Hyperventilation
Shortness of breath
A pounding or racing heart or an irregular heartbeat.
Chest pain.
Lightheadedness.
Sweating.
A choking feeling.
Nausea or an upset stomach.
Dizziness, shaking, or trembling.
Numbness or tingling.
Chills or hot flashes.
Fear you are going to die.

Answer 9

yes they do. Honestly its probably a good idea to look at your life and see what is actually causing these offset body feelings/emotions. you may actually be very stressed or having partner trouble. This is coming from someone who has suffered from generalised anxiety and panic attacks for about 5 years now. Dont let it build up otherwise you'll find yourself avoiding places etc to relieve the feelings. This is not a good idea in the long run. Face up to your fears. The truth is if you wanted to have a panic attack right now you couldn't....so something either within the thought process or otherwise is setting these feelings off. Fight or flight.......i always say fight. What doesn't kill you makes you stronger. Good look with it.

Answer 10

Yes, it can. I have had panic attacks since I was 18 and I am 61 now. I have been on anti-depressants since I was 28 and no longer have panic attacks. I consider the anti-depressants wonder drugs. I know how scarey they can be. I had them before anyone had a name for them and I was so excited when I found out others had the same thing. I was terrified I was going to die. I was afraid to go to the mall, grocery shopping, etc. Life is so much better now that I no longer have them. Make sure you do something about them before they rule your life.