A panic attack can feel like you are dying, but you won’t die directly from one.
Read on to learn more about the risks of panic attacks and how to stay safe during one.
Are Panic Attacks Harmful or Dangerous?
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What Does a Panic Attack Feel Like?
A panic attack can be extremely scary as it is difficult to calm down and manage the symptoms alone.
Many of the physical symptoms can feel very intense.
If left untreated, it can lead to suicide.
If you are having suicidal thoughts, contact theNational Suicide Prevention Lifelineat988for support and assistance from a trained counselor.
If you or a loved one are in immediate danger, call 911.
For more mental health resources, see ourNational Helpline Database.
They will avoid certain situations and places where theyve had an attack before.
They may fear going outside and refrain from leaving their home.
This can prevent them from getting the help that they need.
This may affect their ability to go to work which can have financial consequences.
A mental health professional can help offer support and treatment options.
Panic attacks can be treatable and do not have to burden your life.
Can Panic Attacks Shorten Your Life?
They compared those with and without panic disorder.
Someone with panic disorder experiences regular panic attacks.
The study participants underwent a challenge test that mimicked a panic attack.
They inhaled a gas mixture that contained 65% oxygen and 35% carbon dioxide.
The study concluded that panic attacks in those with coronary artery disease could cause damage to their hearts.
Can a Panic Attack Turn Into a Heart Attack?
However, panic attacks can increase your risk of cardiovascular disease.
The results showed a significantly higher incidence of MI following new-onset panic in people under 50.
Too Much Stress Affects Your Health
Regular panic attacks can causechronic stressand anxiety in your life.
During astress response, cortisol is released into your body.
When this occurs frequently, there is a higher level of stress hormone in the body.
This can increase your risk of cardiovascular events, including heart attack and stroke.
These physiological changes can increase the risk of cardiac events.
In addition, certain behavior changes play a role in the relationship.
What Are the Signs of a Heart Attack?
It can feel like you are going to die.
However, knowing the symptoms and recognizing them can help you stay safe during a panic attack.
Its important to speak with your doctor or healthcare provider if they are happening time after time.
Panic attacks do not have to be debilitating.
Treatment options such as talk therapy, medication and support groups are available to reduce and/or prevent symptoms.
Panic Disorder: Answers to your most important questions.https://www.apa.org.
Myocardial perfusion study of panic attacks in patients with coronary artery disease.The American Journal of Cardiology.
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Elevated stress hormones linked to higher risk of high blood pressure and heart events.American Heart Association.
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How to deal with panic attacks.NHS Inform
Hyperventilation: medlineplus medical encyclopedia.
