Panic Attack - What is it exactly?

  I am a 22 year old college graduate, and I often have wondered if
  I have had panic attacks.  I had a stressful major and am currently
  employeed in a stressful job.  I sometimes wake up in cold sweats, am
  dizzy at least once a day, and every once in a while experience
  pain in my chest.
  I am really just looking for the description of a panic attack.
  Thanks

[CCF Cardio MD - MTR]

Dear Kristen, thank you for your question.  Panic attacks are typically precipitated by stressful situations and sufferers usually feel the following symptoms:
- Chest pain
- Shortness of breath
- Palpitations or a rapid heart beat
- Headaches
- Lightheadedness
- Tremors
Typically, the same situation (i.e.- public speaking) brings on panic attacks so sufferers tend to avoid those situations.  Given your age, it is very unlikely that you have underlying cardiac disease, but if your symptoms persist, you should see your physician.  Good luck!
I hope you find this information useful.  Information provided in the heart forum is for general purposes only.  Only your physician can provide specific diagnoses and therapies. Please feel free to write back with additional questions.
If you would like to make an appointment at the Cleveland Clinic Heart Center, please call 1-800-CCF-CARE or inquire online by using the Heart Center website at www.ccf.org/heartcenter.   The Heart Center website contains a directory of the cardiology staff that can be used to select the physician best suited to address your cardiac problem.