A panic attack is a rush of intense anxiety and physical symptoms.
They can be frightening and happen suddenly, often for no clear reason.
What are the signs of a panic attack?
Some people think they are having a heart attack because it feels like their heart is beating fast or irregularly, or even that they are going to die.
Panic attacks usually last somewhere from 5 to 20 minutes. Although it may feel like something is seriously wrong, they aren't dangerous and shouldn't harm you.
You won’t usually need to be admitted to hospital if you have had a panic attack.
What causes panic attacks?
The physical symptoms of a panic attack are caused by your body going into "fight or flight" mode.
As your body tries to take in more oxygen, your breathing quickens. Your body also releases hormones, such as adrenaline, causing your heart to beat faster and your muscles to tense up.
Having a panic attack now? Try these tips for coping with panic attacks.
You may also find that breathing exercises help.
Should you see your doctor about panic attacks?
A panic attack can make you feel like you’re about to collapse or even die, but it's usually harmless. However, in some cases, you may need medical advice to rule out an underlying physical cause.
Get medical advice if:
- your panic attack continues after doing 20 minutes of slow breathing
- you still feel unwell after your breathing returns to normal
- you still have a rapid or irregular heartbeat or chest pains after your panic attack
- you regularly have panic attacks, as this could be a sign that you have panic disorder
Further help for panic attacks
SAMH has more information about understanding anxiety and panic attacks.
On this page
- What are heart palpitations?
- What are the symptoms of heart palpitations?
- What causes heart palpitations?
- How are heart palpitations diagnosed?
- How are heart palpitations treated?
- How are heart palpitations managed?
- Related information on Australian websites
What are heart palpitations?
Most of the time you won’t notice your heartbeat, but if you suddenly become aware of it, this may concern you or come as a surprise. The feeling of being aware of your heart beating is described as a palpitation.
Palpitations can range from simply being aware of your heart’s activity to the sensation of it beating faster and harder than usual. It can sometimes feel like your heart is missing beats or you have a heart flutter.
Changes to your heartbeat are usually not serious. But always see your doctor if you have palpitations or feel you have an irregular heart beat.
Dial triple zero (000) if you have heart palpitations along with these symptoms:
- severe shortness of breath
- chest pain or tightness
- dizziness or light-headedness
- fainting or blackouts
What are the symptoms of heart palpitations?
You might feel like your heart is racing, thumping or skipping beats. You might feel this when you are sitting still or moving slowly.
You may also feel faint, breathless or experience chest pain.
CHECK YOUR SYMPTOMS — Use our dizziness and lightheadedness Symptom Checker and find out if you need to seek medical help.
What causes heart palpitations?
There are many causes of palpitations and it’s common to experience them when you feel:
- nervous
- emotional
- anxious, including panic attacks
- stressed
This is due to a rise in adrenaline levels, which can cause your heart to beat faster.
Palpitations and irregular heartbeat can also be caused by:
- exercise
- strenuous activity
- drinks or foods containing caffeine (such as coffee, cola, tea and chocolate)
- alcohol and nicotine
- taking certain medicines (such as ephedrine and theophylline)
- taking recreational drugs (such as cocaine and amphetamines)
- hormone changes
- heart rhythm problems (arrhythmias or atrial fibrillation)
- heart conditions such as heart failure, problems with the valves in the heart, or congenital heart disease
- low blood sugar
- anaemia
- overactive thyroid
- dehydration
- dizziness and low blood pressure when you stand up too quickly
- panic disorder
How are heart palpitations diagnosed?
Your doctor will talk to you about how the palpitations start (gradually or suddenly), how long they last, how often they happen and any other symptoms you may have and your family history.
They may send you for further testing, including an electrocardiogram (ECG) to measure your heart’s electrical activity. This may be done by wearing a Holter monitor, a device that you wear for 24 hours while going about your normal activities.
How are heart palpitations treated?
Treatment of heart palpitations depends on what is causing them. Usually, there will be no treatment as the palpitations aren’t serious.
If you have a heart condition like an arrhythmia or atrial fibrillation, you may be sent to a specialist for treatment with medications, surgery or an implantable device.
How are heart palpitations managed?
If you have heart palpitations, or irregular or rapid heartbeats, there are a number of things you can do:
- Try to sit down and relax or find somewhere quiet to rest.
- Keep yourself calm and in a comfortable position.
- Try not to panic as this can make your symptoms worse.
- You may find it helpful to loosen any restrictive (tight) clothing that can affect your breathing, such as your collar button and tie.
- Avoid any stimulants that could make your palpitations worse — this includes caffeine, nicotine, alcohol and recreational drugs.
If you are concerned about your heart palpitations, please consult your doctor.