Heart palpitations and panic attacks: what to know

During panic, the body's alarm response releases hormones that can speed the heart and make each beat feel stronger. Breathlessness, trembling, sweating, chest tightness, tingling, nausea and a sense of danger may occur at the same time. Symptoms can peak quickly and then ease, but similar sensations can arise from other conditions.

A clinician may consider atrial fibrillation, anaemia, iron deficiency anaemia, hyperthyroidism, dehydration or low blood sugar. Generalised anxiety disorder can cause ongoing worry and repeated body-alert symptoms; a diagnosis depends on the wider pattern, not one episode.

Move to a safe place, loosen tight clothing and breathe out slowly for longer than you breathe in. Avoid repeatedly checking your pulse if that increases fear. Once settled, record the setting, thoughts, physical symptoms, duration and possible triggers.

Arrange a review if episodes recur, cause avoidance, or leave you exhausted. A clinician can check the heart rhythm and physical contributors, then discuss talking therapy, anxiety care or other treatment when appropriate. Do not self-diagnose or stop prescribed medicine.

Call emergency services for chest pain or pressure, severe breathlessness, fainting, collapse, confusion or sudden weakness, particularly when symptoms are new or different. Urgent assessment is also appropriate for palpitations that remain fast or irregular rather than settling with rest.

Ask how your symptoms fit panic, what heart-rhythm or blood tests are suitable, and how to respond if an episode returns. Discuss sleep, caffeine, nicotine, medicines, thyroid symptoms, menstrual bleeding and any fear that is changing your daily activities.