What do palpitations feel like with panic disorder?

During a panic episode, the heartbeat may suddenly become noticeable in the chest, throat, or neck. You might feel rapid beats, skipped or extra beats, thumping, or a vibration-like flutter. The sensation can arrive with fear, trembling, sweating, dizziness, chest tightness, shortness of breath, or a feeling that something is wrong. Panic activates the body's alarm response, which can increase heart rate and make each beat easier to notice. Similar sensations can also occur with stimulants, thyroid problems, anaemia, abnormal heart rhythms, or other conditions, so the pattern and your wider symptoms matter.

Sit somewhere safe and loosen restrictive clothing. Breathe slowly and gently, allowing the out-breath to last a little longer than the in-breath; avoid repeated deep gulping breaths. Keep your attention on the room around you and remind yourself that the sensation can occur as part of panic. Reduce caffeine, nicotine, and other stimulants, and record when episodes begin, how long they last, and what you were doing. A clinician can review this pattern and discuss talking therapy, medicines, or both if panic disorder is affecting daily life.

Seek emergency help for palpitations with chest pain or pressure, severe breathlessness, fainting, new confusion, or marked weakness. Arrange prompt medical assessment if the heartbeat is persistently irregular, episodes happen with exercise, or you have known heart disease or a family history of sudden cardiac death. Even when panic seems likely, a first or changing episode deserves clinical review.

Ask whether an examination or heart tracing is appropriate, which symptoms suggest panic rather than another cause, and how to track episodes. You can also ask about therapy options, caffeine and medicine interactions, and a plan for handling the next episode.