Psychiatry
Panic Attacks
Reviewed by the JordanMedHub Medical Editorial Team · 9/13/2026
Quick Answer
A panic attack can feel like a heart attack or a loss of control — understanding what's actually happening in the body is often the first step to managing it.
In this article
A panic attack is a sudden episode of intense fear that triggers severe physical symptoms, typically peaking within about ten minutes even though it can feel much longer.
Symptoms of a Panic Attack
A racing heart, chest pain or tightness, shortness of breath, trembling, sweating, dizziness, nausea, and a feeling of choking or losing control are common — the intensity and combination of physical symptoms is exactly why panic attacks are so often mistaken for a heart attack or another medical emergency, especially the first time someone experiences one.
Why It's Important to Rule Out Other Causes the First Time
Because panic attack symptoms genuinely overlap with cardiac and other medical emergencies, a first episode — especially with chest pain — deserves medical evaluation to rule out other causes, rather than being assumed to be panic without a proper assessment.
What Helps During an Attack
Slow, deep breathing, grounding techniques (focusing on physical senses — what you can see, hear, and touch), and reminding yourself that the attack will pass within minutes can help reduce its intensity and duration.
Long-Term Management
For people who experience recurring panic attacks, cognitive behavioral therapy is highly effective at reducing frequency and severity, and medication may also be considered, particularly when panic attacks occur alongside a broader anxiety disorder.
Disclaimer
This guide is for general education only and does not diagnose or recommend treatment for any individual. New or severe chest pain should always be evaluated to rule out a cardiac cause.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a panic attack last?
Symptoms typically peak within about ten minutes, though the episode can feel much longer, and some residual anxiety or fatigue may linger afterward.
Should you go to the ER for a panic attack?
For a first episode, especially with chest pain, yes — it's important to rule out a cardiac or other medical cause. Once panic attacks are a known, recurring pattern, this becomes less necessary each time.
Written by JordanMedHub Medical Editorial Team
Updated 9/13/2026
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