Shaky/Dizzy/Fast Heart Rate Episode

The other day, I was in the movie theater watching a movie, and all of the sudden, my heart began pounding so rapidly that it felt like it was skipping beats, I started shaking so much that I couldn't even aim for the arm rest when I went to lean down, I felt like I might throw up, my vision began blurring, and sweat started dripping down everywhere, even though I wasn't hot.  It felt like if I had been standing, I would have passed out. I attributed this to the movie (it was a gory, bloody scene), but those things have never bothered me before, and this has happened to me once before, at work.
Any idea what could be wrong?

[debfrench]

If  you are in your late 30 or in 40 or 50 it might be the change of life.It can do alot to your body. They say there is35 Symptoms of Menopause. I go throw must of it. I have not have my monthly for 3 years.I am 55 years old. All the best Hope that is what it is with you

[julies525]

this happens to me more then i would like to admite and im 23 but what ive been told its because ur blood sugar is either to high or to low sometimes it helps if u get something sweet to eat

[Caryopteris]

Probably an anxiety attack.  Breathe deeply and slowly, expanding your ribcage as well as the lower part of the lungs.  Think calm thoughts  Go to your happy place.  

You may be getting too much caffeine and other stimulants.  Dark chocolate can do it.  Energy drinks are terrible for it.  Exercise more and think about slow breathing.  

If you need more help, you could go to a behaviorist type psychologist who could train you in biofeedback relaxation.  

[Maggie2014]

That's what my mom thought - that it was a panic attack! I don't think it was low blood sugar, as I had just eaten an hour earlier, and I am 19 years old, so I know it's not menopause! It's just strange to me, because I'm a pretty level-headed person, and don't panic over much of anything, so a panic attack seems unlikely.
Any other thoughts/comments are welcome! :)

[annie_fletcher67]

Sounds like a classic panic attack to me.  Absolutely horrible you poor thing, and they seem to come out of nowhere.  I know as I have had them for years and my advice to you is to seek help from your doctor as soon as possible, I didn't and ended up being so scared of having a panic attack that it triggered another one.  I carry medication around with me now, very rarely take it, it's just a comfort knowing it's in my bag.  it always seems to happen in cinema, theatre, church etc, somewhere where you're supposed to keep quiet and not fidget. Try to remember that there's always an exit, make any excuse to use it.  Tell your friends, you'd be surprised how many people have had them.  Good luck.