Panic Attack = Death?

[crazycam]

Hello,

I am new to having panic attacks, I get adreanine rushes that make my heart go very fast and beat very hard. I have my first panic attack about 6 months ago. Since then I have had many panic attacks about 15, in each of those, I had a surge of adrenaline that made my heart rate go crazy. I hear from most people that this is completely normal and safe, and its the bodies natural reaction. However, other websites say that too much adrenaline rushes can cause heart failure. Is this true? I have been seen by a cardiologist and the structure of my heart is perfect. Let me know. I would prefer a doctor to answer this if at all possible.

[nursegirl6572]

As scary as they feel, panic attacks can NOT harm you in any way, unless you had an underlying medical condition.

[kka264]

congrats hun--did you use meds? did you go through a rough first 2 months on meds? like head pressure and some headaches?

[crazycam]

Thank you so much!! I am doing much better now. Came off bystolic, doing CBT. Much better. Been 2 months without an attack, getting my life back now!

[alvaa]

Yes. Coming here helps me tons.

[theaddict]

you know, i walk around my house and clean when i have a panic attack because mentally, i make myself feel like my heart is beating fast because i am doing things, if that makes sense.

[talespinner77]

I am so guilty of this, since I was diagnosed with GAD I have been to the Dr and have had every aspect of me checked to find nothing wrong, other than my own anxiety. Fact is it is just adrenaline, and when you are having a panic attack it is best to try to be active to burn off that anxiety, so a brisk walk EVEN if inside your house can help. I think having GAD makes you into somewhat of a Hypochondirac, it makes everything you feel intensified so you think about EVERYTHING you are feeling, its a horrible circle to live in. I have had it for over 2 years now and I just live my life, even if I feel uncomfortable, because really that is all it does to you, it doesnt make you who you are. Be strong, have faith, and live in this moment.

[theaddict]

yeah, i am definitely guilty of doing the same thing as well.

as many times as i tell myself that the WORSE thing for me to do is jump on my laptop and google my symptoms, i do it anyway. BUT, i will say that one thing that has helped me with panic attacks, is reading more and more comments from real people about them, and not just doctors. especially during a panic attack. i will go on to a forum and just read what others have had to go through - and it slows my heart rate down and then, for a brief few moments - all is right with the world again.

[alvaa]

I agree with you, all though I catch myself doing it all of the time.
Also, Crazycam, thinking things like that makes your panic attack worse. That's the hard thing about it.

[theaddict]

the worse thing i do to myself when something like this happens to me, is google what is going on with me. because then, i get so many other replies and responses that it makes me panic even more.

[ANGEL1011]

Well I think u r too worried tht its going to do some harm to ur heart, bt always remember heart failure can never happen tht soon , n even anxiety sufferers with panic attacks for almost 20 -30 years are also fine without any heart complication, they won't cause any harm to ur heart bt it wud elevate ur blood pressure in long run, so worry less, god bless u