HomeAnswersPsychologist/ Counselorpanic attackI get intense palpitation and panic attacks. Do I have heart problem?

I get intense palpitations and panic attacks. Should I worry about my heart?

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The following is an actual conversation between an iCliniq user and a doctor that has been reviewed and published as a Premium Q&A.

Answered by

Dr. Ruhi Satija

Medically reviewed by

Dr. Vinodhini J.

Published At January 4, 2020
Reviewed AtJune 27, 2023

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

I am a 23-year-old male. Two years ago, I had intense palpitations, and I was diagnosed with anxiety disorder. I had panic attacks, but then I was able to recover by myself. For a few days, I had two panic attacks. And I am afraid that this is anxiety, or that my diagnosis was wrong as if I had some serious health issues. I worry that I have a heart problem. Even if someone touches my chest I feel uncomfortable. I do not think a lot. I try to calm myself, but somehow I am not able to calm myself no matter what I try. The main problem now is my anger. I suddenly feel so much angry, about very stupid things like I am walking on a road and a car blows my horn continuously I feel very irritated and angry if my girlfriend does not pick up my call I get so much anger and it is not normal. If I try to control my anger I feel numbness and hand shakes, I even have palpitations. This is very worrying for me as I think this is very serious this time. My heart palpitations go away only when I am in deep sleep or when I am doing something so deeply without noticing anything. I had palpitations two days before my exams, I tried calming techniques but it did not go away. But when I was in the examination center, when I started writing my answers I was so deeply busy in writing, that my palpitations go away. And then after the exam I was fine. But anger is ruining my life. I want to change the way I am. I am currently taking Sertraline and beta-blockers.

Answered by Dr. Ruhi Satija

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

Panic attacks often mimic a heart attack. In fact, one of the common differential diagnosis of panic attack is cardiac arrest. If it is happening often it is advisable to get an ECG (electrocardiogram) done. Please tell me from last how many days are you taking anti-anxiety medications? Secondly, I would advise you to start cognitive behavior therapy. Anxietyis caused by negative thoughts called cognitive distortions these can be improved with various techniques used in the therapy. Once you learn how to cope with these negative thoughts you will be able to control your anxiety. Find a local therapist or you can opt for online therapy via video consultation. Relaxation techniques such as box breathing and progressive muscle relaxation help in long-term efficacy.

Thank you.

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Dr. Ruhi Satija
Dr. Ruhi Satija

Psychiatry

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