Panic disorder is characterized by spontaneous, unexpected, recurrent occurrences of panic attacks. Panic attacks are relatively short lived (usually less than 30 minutes) periods of intense anxiety or fear, which are accompanied by such symptoms as palpitations, chest pain, sweating and shortness of breath. The symptoms may be misdiagnosed as a serious medical condition (e.g. heart attack). Individual seeking treatment will usually describe the fear as intense and report that they were about to die, lose control, have a heart attack. They also usually report an urgent desire to flee from wherever the attack is occurring. With recurrent attacks, some of the intense fearfulness may wane.
There are two characteristic types of panic attacks with different relationships between the onset of the attack and the presence or absence of situational triggers. Unexpected panic attacks: in which the onset of the panic attack is not associated with situational trigger (ie occurring spontaneously). Situationally bound panic attack: in which the panic attack almost invariably occurs immediately on exposure to, or in anticipation of, the situational cue or trigger an immediate panic attack in a particular person. Medical examination at time of panic attack may sometimes reveal rapid fast pulse (tachycardia) and mild elevation of systolic blood pressure. In between panic attacks the medical examination is normal. The investigations like blood, urine, X Rays, ECG, 2D Echo, stress tests all are normal.
You have been under a lot of emotional and physical stress lately, and as such you have been suffering from panic attacks. An important thing to remember is that while panic attacks generally feel worse than they really are, at the same time they can be damaging to your overall health, especially in the form of high blood pressure. Thus, you need to know how to keep your blood pressuring during a panic attack within normal levels.
It might sound too simple, but it really does help if, while suffering a panic attack, you seek a cold drink of water. This cool drink of water can also help lower your blood pressure during a panic attack, because the coolness of the water will hydrate you and cause a naturally relaxing effect. You might wonder why your blood pressure during a panic attack can become high. This can happen if you already have a tendency toward high blood pressure, but at the same time adrenaline can also be a major cause. Specifically, high blood pressure during a panic attack can be caused by the adrenaline that triggers the panic attack in the first place. The adrenaline causes your heart to beat faster, and as such, the blood being pumped through your body goes faster and faster, which can result in high blood pressure.
Interestingly enough, low blood pressure during a panic attack can also occur. For example, if you are prone to panic attacks in which you start to feel dizzy and lightheaded, this can be because you are not receiving enough oxygen. Since oxygen is carried in the blood, too little oxygen can sometimes result in low blood pressure. So, if you tend to suffer from low blood pressure during a panic attack, you should first try to get your blood sugar regulated by drinking some orange juice. If you think that you are suffering from high blood pressure, go to your local drugstore and purchase an at-home blood pressure kit.
When you feel a panic attack coming on, try to take your blood pressure and record your findings. It is important that you only use a safe and accurate home blood pressure kit. Go to your doctor and discuss ways that you can not only stop your blood pressure from becoming dangerously high, but find a safe way to stop your panic attacks.
- Related Videos
- Related Articles
- Ask / Related Q&A
- American Medical Health Care
- Focusing on Medical Health Care Concerns
- India Medical Tourism Offering Best Medical Health Care
- Paying for Home Health Care: What Do Medicare and Medigap Cover?
- Paying For Home Health Care - What Do Medicare and Medigap Cover?
- Paying for Health Care-health
- Health Insurance Tips - Monsoon Health care
- Social Justice Through Health Care




Trichotillomania: Symptoms, Causes, And Treatments
By: Stephen A Daniels | 22/11/2009Trichotillomania is a psychological condition in which sufferers experience hair lose due to compulsive twisting or pulling of the hair until it breaks off or is removed from the scalp. Roughly 4% of the population suffers from trichotillomania. Sometimes the pulling is so subconscious, but habitual, that sufferers will cause...
Handling and Moving Hazardous Chemical Containers
By: Fredric May | 22/11/2009The most common cause of a chemical spill is poor handling and moving practices. This article provides tips on how to prevent accidents with chemicals by handling and moving them properly.
Using MSDS Information to Ensure Chemical Safety
By: Fredric May | 22/11/2009The MSDS/SDS provides the most comprehensive fact sheet about chemicals used by industry, manufacturing, and service organizations. This article provides an overview of each of the 16 sections grouped into 6 groups.
Medical Consequences of Uncontrolled Chemical Exposures
By: Fredric May | 22/11/2009Short term exposures to hazardous chemicals may cause acute symptoms after a few weeks or months. Long term, prolonged exposure may cause chronic symptoms that may be signs of chemical sensitization, cancer, or other effects. This article describes how to spot symptoms resulting from acute or chronic exposure to hazardous chemicals.
Identify and Mitigate Risk in Transporting Hazardous Chemicals Safely and Securely
By: Fredric May | 22/11/2009Hazardous waste generators, shippers, and carriers are responsible for not only conveying hazardous waste from the generating source to the disposal/treatment site, but also for securing each load so it does not succumb to the foibles of terrorism. This article discusses the additional risk management responsibilities that must be met by all involved in the business of transporting hazardous waste.
Determining the Environmental Impact of Uncontrolled Release of Hazardous Chemicals
By: Fredric May | 22/11/2009Industries that discharge waste into the environment are regulated by the EPA, and are responsible for what and how much is discharged. This article describes the toxic effects that chemicals can have on a short and long term basis and points out why it is important to constantly monitor the discharges for both high and low persistent chemicals.
Preparing Hazardous Chemicals for Disposal
By: Fredric May | 22/11/2009State and federal regulations are very specific about how hazardous wastes must be disposed of. Preparations for waste disposal must be planned and prepared to prevent accidental exposures or incidents that may jeopardize the health and safety of personnel, prevent degradation of the facility where the chemicals are packaged, and prevent any impact to the environment through which they are transported and then disposed. This article highlights precautions that must be taken to ensure that the di
Using Local Exhaust Ventilation to Control Hazardous Chemical Exposures
By: Fredric May | 22/11/2009Other than eliminating or substituting one chemical for a less hazardous one, the best way to prevent exposure to it is through Local Exhaust Ventilation (LEV). This article explains which types of LEV are best suited for controlling different hazard levels, and how the major types of LEV work in preventing hazardous chemical exposures in the work place.
Assamese Hindu Matrimony - Customs and Traditions
By: Roger Thompson | 10/12/2008 | MarriageAssam is a important province of the Indian Republic which lies to the north-east of the country abd is known all over for its wild life, exotic natural landscapes and wonderful freshness. The Assamese matrimonial customs and traditions is based on Vedic traditions and rituals. Wedding ceremony of assamese...
Alternative Ways To Treat Panic Attack
By: Roger Thompson | 10/02/2008 | HealthPanic disorder with panic attacks and acute anxiety have become either more common or more diagnosed in recent years. Panic attacks are generally accompanied with the following symptoms: - Palpitations, pounding heart or increased heart rate. - Sweating. - Trembling or shaking. - Sensations of shortness of breath. - Feelings of choking. - Chest pain or...
Basic Understanding Of Panic Attack
By: Roger Thompson | 07/02/2008 | HealthFear...heart palpitations...terror, a sense of impending doom...dizziness...fear of fear. The words used to describe panic disorder are often frightening. But there is great hope: Treatment can benefit virtually everyone who has this condition. It is extremely important for the person who has panic disorder to learn about the problem and...
Dealing With Blood Pressure During Panic Attack
By: Roger Thompson | 05/02/2008 | MedicinePanic disorder is characterized by spontaneous, unexpected, recurrent occurrences of panic attacks. Panic attacks are relatively short lived (usually less than 30 minutes) periods of intense anxiety or fear, which are accompanied by such symptoms as palpitations, chest pain, sweating and shortness of breath. The symptoms may be misdiagnosed as...
Safeguarding The Data With Anti Spyware Downloads
By: Roger Thompson | 30/01/2008 | ComputersIn response to the emergence of spyware, a small industry has sprung up dealing in anti-spyware software. Running anti-spyware software has become a widely recognized element of computer security best practices for Microsoft Windows desktop computers. A number of jurisdictions have passed anti-spyware laws, which usually target any software that...
Natural Cure For IBS
By: Roger Thompson | 25/12/2007 | HealthIrritable bowel syndrome is a disorder that is characterized by cramping and abdominal pain, and which does usually cause a great deal of discomfort and distress, it is typically not able to permanently harm the intestines and is not considered as being a major physical threat. Irritable bowel syndrome is...
Irritable Bowel Syndrome In Children
By: Roger Thompson | 23/12/2007 | HealthMany people do not realize it, but irritable bowel syndrome can actually also develop in children. Although the condition is not considered as being major or serious in any way, the symptoms that are caused by the condition can be incredibly frustrating and annoying, not to mention embarrassing, especially for...
IBS In Pregnancy
By: Roger Thompson | 23/12/2007 | Women's IssuesIrritable bowel syndrome is a health disorder, one that is characterized most commonly by cramping, bloating, constipation and diarrhea. Most cases of irritable bowel syndrome are quite mild and can be controlled with proper diet, stress management, and often there is a need for prescribed medications as well. While most women...