How common are palpitations in panic disorder?

A panic attack activates the body's alarm response, which can make the heartbeat feel fast, forceful or irregular. It may arrive with shortness of breath, trembling, sweating, chest tightness, nausea, dizziness or fear of losing control. The physical sensations are real, but they can overlap with medical conditions, particularly before panic disorder has been diagnosed.

During an episode, move to a safe place, slow the breathing without forcing it, and remind yourself that the sensations can pass. For repeated attacks, arrange a clinical review. Treatment may include talking therapy, practical anxiety-management skills or medicine, chosen according to your symptoms and medical history.

Urgent assessment is needed for palpitations with chest pain, fainting, severe breathlessness, new weakness, or a persistent irregular heartbeat. Do not assume a first or substantially different episode is caused by panic, especially if you have known heart disease or relevant medicines.

Ask how panic disorder is assessed, whether other physical causes should be checked, and which treatment options fit your symptoms. Sharing what happened before, during and after an attack can help identify useful coping strategies.