Is this a panic attack?

[panicattackornot]

Had five-ten distinct episodes since September last year . Usually starts with vaguely feeling anxious/stressed or tired. Then sudden feeling of absolute terror, heart very irregular and fast, feet and legs go numb/can’t move them and can’t focus/feel like I’m passing out . Sometimes get ringing in ears and a hot flush .

I’ve had four ECGs since started, and lots of blood tests - GP says convinced it’s panic, has put me on regular beta blockers . Cardiology reviewed me in December (as family history of heart problems) and said definitely sounds like panic to them but getting an echo sometime this year to check .

I’m terrified of them as it feels like I’m dying when it happens . It’s just happened again today - I was out for a walk, got back, and then that happened again .

I’m having therapy but it doesn’t stop this from happening .

Does it sound like panic?

Yes it does but strange it happened when you got back home. Did you feel anxious on your walk?

When you have these attacks make sure you exhale more than you inhale. If you inhale more you'll increase the oxygen in your blood. So breathe in less and breathe out more. Try and relax when doing this.
Hopefully the tesst and therapy will help you understand what is happening.

A bit but not hugely . I’d been very anxious all morning though . I’m often worried when I exercise that I might make myself unwell though, and collapse and die whilst walking (which sounds stupid) and going for a walk usually triggers that off . So maybe something to do with that ..

I've just started doing these meditation exercises to help with my anxiety. They might be of some help.

@noego

When you have these attacks make sure you exhale more than you inhale. If you inhale more you'll increase the oxygen in your blood. So breathe in less and breathe out more. Try and relax when doing this. Hopefully the tesst and therapy will help you understand what is happening.

This. I always wondered why 'deep breaths' made me more panicky, a lot of instructions leave out that you should breathe out for longer. I do breathe in for count of 3, hold for 5, breathe out for 8. Roughly. Just googled it to check and it's actually 4-7-8. Whatever, works for me pretty well!

Retired doctor here. May I correct some of the rather strange opinions of PPs about breathing and panic attacks? They have nothing to do with oxygen!
When you panic, you hyperventilate. That blows off carbon dioxide, lowering the level in your lungs and bloodstream, rendering you alkalotic. If you persist, it will make you feel dizzy and faint, and cause numbness or tingling in your hands and feet.
To treat it, breathe in through your nose, then purse your lips to a small opening and breathe out as slowly as possible through your mouth. Spend much longer on breathing out than in, to allow your carbon dioxide to rise back to a normal level, which will correct the alkalosis and make you feel better.
The beta blocker from your GP should be helping by blocking the effects of your adrenalin surge, and masking the symptoms of panic. If you are still having attacks, you may need an increased dose.

Yes I think it's a panic attack. Please look up dr claire weekes. ..she has a book called self help for your nerves. I suffered from panic attacks and this was incredibly helpful. They are horrible but you can get through them.

Hi

Definately sounds like a panic attack. I have been suffering terrible with them lately.

I dont think it strange that it happened when you came back home as panic attacks happen anywhere!

Are you having CBT?

I dont think it strange that it happened when you came back home as panic attacks happen anywhere!
I just meant I feel safer when I get home.