What Causes Sudden Panic Attacks?

Posted on Thu, 14 Sep 2017

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Thu, 14 Sep 2017 Answered on

Thu, 5 Oct 2017 Last reviewed on

Question : For the last week and a half, I have been having trouble breathing, my heart keeps racing, I get a lot of headaches, and I feel very anxious. Tonight at an event, as I was walking over to it, I started feeling very flushed and my heart started beating uncontrollably and I couldn't breathe. Some friends made sure I was okay and talked me through it. I think I had an anxiety attack tonight, but I wasn't sure. I think it is important to know that I am in college and feel the general amount of stress for a college student, but its not overwhelming. I don't know why I all of a sudden had a panic attack or what could be the cause.
What are your thoughts or suggestions? I don't want this to keep happening!

Answered by Dr. salah saad shoman (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Probably anxiety attacks

Detailed Answer:
Dear Ms, I have gone through your question and I understand your concerns.. Although anxiety attacks are very common at your age but I would recommend that you role out physical causes before assuming that what you are experiencing are anxiety attacks..
You should get a CBC test to exclude iron difficiency anemia which can cause rapid heart rate and shortness of breath.. Also you should get an ECG and an echocardiogram to exclude cardiac insufficiency . Another possibility that you need to exclude is hyperthyroidism , so you should get a blood test of T3,T4 and TSH..
If all these tests came back normal then probably you are experiencing anxiety attacks that probably occur due to chronic stress even if not overwhelming .. I would recommend that you try to think in a cognitive behavioral manner which entails that you identify the triggers of your anxiety attacks , analyze these thoughts and replace them with positive ones.. I hope you find this helpful..

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Kampana