Should I see a doctor?

Question

Hello I am almost 100% sure about a month and a half ago I suffered from a panic attack in the middle of the night! I think it maybe happening again but I don't know I can get it to calm down kinda but not go away. My heart is beating pretty hard and fast. My pulse is about 112times a minutes. Is this okay?? My chest and arms feel hot and cold sometimes and I feel a little disoriented and out of body and a little shaky I am tired but again it is almost 2 in the am i feel a little nausea every now and then. During the day sometimes I get short of breath and my heart starts to beat hard but I just sit down for a bit and breath if I dwell on it its seems to beat harder. Normally during the day it goes away because I am at work and am otherwise occupied. I do suffer from anxiety and my job has been stressing me out alot lately!! Am is just suffering from anxiety and panic or should I see a doctor about my heart?? I am only 22 years old thanks.

Answer 1

Hi! Sounds a lot like a panic attack to me. The good news is, there is a pretty fool-proof way of stopping panic attacks - and that is to breathe properly. If you control your breathing, you control panic. Breathe in slowly through your nose pushing your tummy out (to the count of 5 or so). Breathe out slowly and for a bit longer through your mouth (to the count of 7 or so). Do not breathe rapidly or shallowly (in the chest area). Remember, it is always in your power to stop a panic attack!

In terms of stopping anxiety and panic attacks long-term, I suggest you try Cognitive Behavioural Therapy. It takes a bit of work, but is super effective.

You could speak to your doctor about taking a course or you can take a course for free online at http://www.livinglifetothefull.com/elearning/ (A ‘prettier’ version of this type of programme can be bought at www.thewellnessshop.co.uk). You could also try the book the Feeling Good Handbook by Dr Robert Burns which basically teaches CBT.

Good luck! Hope it all works out. :)

Answer 2

you definitely should see a doctor. I have panic attacks, and your heart rate definitely goes up; You feel out of breath and out of control sometimes. I do a lot of deep breathing exercises, and have learned how to meditate. I am on meds for anxiety, also. The first thing my doc did was an EKG before she would diagnose anything. That should be your next step. In the meantime, it helps to get some fresh air, and slow your breathing.
Take it easy, and think of happy things.
112 is not incredibly high. Mine gets up to 160 or 170 when I am having a full blown attack.

Answer 3

I really don't know what you may be suffering from, but I do have a suggestion for stress. Take at least one Vitamin B-100mg vitamin pill plus an extra 100mg of Vitamin B6 per day.

Answer 4

Sounds like your blood sugar to me. Not a panic attack.
You should see a doctor and find out what is happening to you. Could be a panic attack, but don't guess, please get checked.