Can You Die From a Panic Attack?

When you’re in the middle of having a panic attack it may feel like you’re dying, but you can’t die from a panic attack.

Panic attacks are difficult to understand when you’re having one because of just that- you’re in a panic. You may be having breathing problems and your heart may be racing, but you aren’t in any immediate danger. With proper techniques and strategies, the panic attack will subside after a few minutes and you’ll go back to feeling normal again.

Let’s take a closer look into why panic attacks feel dangerous but can’t actually cause you serious harm.

Are Panic Attacks Dangerous?

Panic attacks can be extremely frightening and overwhelming experiences, and they can cause a wide range of physical and emotional symptoms that can feel very intense and distressing. 

Use Galvan to Track Your Health

Panic attacks are terrible to deal with. Tracking your health and symptoms can help you understand what triggers your panic attacks, which may help with reducing anxiety and panic attacks. The Galvan app is a revolutionary free way to assess and quantify mental health. Being able to track emotions and see patterns can help people struggling with panic attacks have better control of their lives. 

Not only will this app assist with mental health, it will also assess your heart rate, your exercise habits, and even the nearly-imperceptible nuances of your voice to help you analyze your mental health on a daily basis. Share your progress with friends and our app will give you digital rewards for good behavior. Download it below!

Symptoms of Panic Attacks

Some common symptoms of panic attacks include the following:

• A sudden feeling of intense fear or terror without any obvious cause.
• Rapid heartbeat or palpitations.
• Sweating or trembling.
• Shortness of breath or feeling like you can't catch your breath.
• Chest pain or discomfort.
• Nausea or stomach distress.
• Feeling dizzy or lightheaded.
• Tingling or numbness in the fingers or toes.
• Feeling detached from reality or a sense of unreality.
• Fear of losing control or going crazy.
• Fear of dying or having a heart attack.
• Hot flashes or chills.

Although having panic attacks gives you physical symptoms and despite their intensity, panic attacks are generally not physically harmful or dangerous. While panic attacks can certainly be uncomfortable and distressing, they typically do not cause any long-term damage or pose any serious health risks.

That being said, if you experience panic attacks on a regular basis, it is important to seek professional help to learn how to manage and cope with your symptoms. Untreated panic disorder can lead to increased anxiety, depression, and a diminished quality of life. 

Long-term Health Complications

While panic attacks themselves are not typically physically harmful, frequent or chronic panic attacks can lead to long-term health complications. Panic disorder can alsoimpact a person's quality of life, leading to difficulties with work, relationships, and social activities.

In addition, research suggests that chronic stress and anxiety, which are often present in individuals with panic disorder, can contribute to a range of physical health problems. For example, chronic stress has been linked to a higher risk of heart disease, diabetes, and other chronic illnesses. Additionally, panic attacks can cause physical symptoms such as chest pain, dizziness, and shortness of breath, which can be mistaken for serious medical conditions and lead to unnecessary medical testing and treatments.

How to Know if You’re Having a Panic Attack or a Heart Attack

Panic attacks can be extremely scary if you don’t know how to tell the difference between one and a heart attack. 

Let’s take a look at the main differences between the two so you can know if you’re actually having a heart attack and get medical attention.

Heart Attack Symptoms

The following are symptoms of a heart attack that differ from panic attack symptoms:

• Chest discomfort beneath the breastbone
• Discomfort radiating to the neck, jaw, or upper arm
• Palpitations
• Sweating

Main Differences Between Heart Attacks and Panic Attacks

A heart attack is a serious medical emergency that occurs when blood flow to the heart muscle is blocked, usually by a blood clot. Unlike panic attacks, heart attacks are life-threatening and require immediate medical attention.

Panic attacks typically last for a few minutes, while the symptoms of a heart attack may last for several minutes or longer. Panic attacks may also be triggered by specific situations or events, while heart attacks can occur without warning.

It's important to seek medical attention right away if you are experiencing chest pain or other symptoms that may indicate a heart attack. If you are experiencing symptoms of anxiety or panic attacks, it's important to talk to a mental health professional for help managing your symptoms.

How to Stay Safe During a Panic Attack

If you are experiencing a panic attack, there are several things you can do to help stay safe and manage your symptoms. Here are some tips:

• Find a safe place: If possible, move to a quiet, private space where you feel safe and secure.

• Practice deep breathing: Slow, deep breathing can help to regulate your heart rate and reduce feelings of anxiety. Try inhaling deeply through your nose, holding for a few seconds, and then exhaling slowly through your mouth.

• Use grounding techniques: Focusing on your surroundings can help to distract you from your symptoms and bring you back to the present moment. Try looking around and describing what you see, touch something nearby and describe its texture, or recite a favorite poem or song in your head.

• Talk to someone: If you are with someone you trust, try talking to them about what you are experiencing. They may be able to help you feel calmer and more grounded.

• Seek medical attention: While panic attacks are not physically harmful, they can be very distressing. If you are experiencing severe or persistent symptoms, or if you are unsure whether your symptoms are related to a panic attack or another medical condition, seek medical attention.

Conclusion

Remember, panic attacks are a common and treatable condition. If you experience frequent or chronic panic attacks, it is important to seek professional help. With the right treatment and support, you can learn to manage your symptoms and improve your overall quality of life. Check out Galvan as a way to help you track your health and see patterns that may be leading to your panic attacks. For more information on Galvan, click here.

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