“Panic attack or heart attack?”
I’m a 31 year old male, 5 foot 9, 188 pounds. I have general anxiety disorder and panic disorder, so this may sound like a dumb question. I was startled awake by my daughter crying. I stumbled into her room to take care of her but felt weak and unbalanced. A few mins later I felt freezing, like ice spreading through my hands and chest. Then came the panic.
I took my BP and it was 146/103 with an HR of 74. I thought this was odd, since when I usually have panic attacks, my heart races. I took 0.5 MG of Lorazepam. While I feel calmer I still feel unusually cold, my left chest/shoulder area feels tight and my BP is 122/81 and my HR is 56.
Is any of that normal? HR doesn’t usually go that low. Does any of this indicate I need to have my heart looked at?
I took my BP and it was 146/103 with an HR of 74. I thought this was odd, since when I usually have panic attacks, my heart races. I took 0.5 MG of Lorazepam. While I feel calmer I still feel unusually cold, my left chest/shoulder area feels tight and my BP is 122/81 and my HR is 56.
Is any of that normal? HR doesn’t usually go that low. Does any of this indicate I need to have my heart looked at?
Male | 31 years old
Complaint duration: Days
Medications: Escitalopram
Conditions: General anxiety and panic disorder
4 Answers
CardiologistCardiologist
Hi,
I'm sorry about your scary experience. There are no dumb questions when it comes to one's health! Panic attack symptoms can change over time. In your case, I would recommend to be seen by a primary care physician and have an EKG done to r/o any heart problem. While panic attacks come "out of the blue," the changes in presentations can be related to the
recent stressful events.
Wishing you a successful resolution of your problem.
Best regards,
Dr. M
I'm sorry about your scary experience. There are no dumb questions when it comes to one's health! Panic attack symptoms can change over time. In your case, I would recommend to be seen by a primary care physician and have an EKG done to r/o any heart problem. While panic attacks come "out of the blue," the changes in presentations can be related to the
recent stressful events.
Wishing you a successful resolution of your problem.
Best regards,
Dr. M
Thank you for your question.
You need to review these circumstances with whoever is prescribing the medication for you. It will be important to look into getting full blood, lipids, and UA screening. I would ask about thyroid, hormones, and maybe ask for a baseline EKG via your primary care referrals.
You need to review these circumstances with whoever is prescribing the medication for you. It will be important to look into getting full blood, lipids, and UA screening. I would ask about thyroid, hormones, and maybe ask for a baseline EKG via your primary care referrals.
Check this link out for some insight into your question:
https://health.clevelandclinic.org/the-difference-between-panic-attacks-and-heart-attacks/
Also, I am no medical specialist, but heart rates in the 50's are not unusual - mine has been in the 50's my whole life.
https://health.clevelandclinic.org/the-difference-between-panic-attacks-and-heart-attacks/
Also, I am no medical specialist, but heart rates in the 50's are not unusual - mine has been in the 50's my whole life.
The chances are this is due to your panic disorder, but it would be wise to consult with your primary care doctor. At your age, I doubt this was a heart attack.
