If you have ever had a panic attack, I'm sure you already know what makes them so scary.
It is the unexpected and unprovoked onset of an attack.
It is the feeling of utter fear and terror.
It is the sensation of a dream-like state or a trance-like state.
It is the intense feeling of a need to escape.
It is the dread of doing something embarrassing.
It is the fear of losing control.
It is the feeling of helplessness.
It is the disconcerting nausea.
It is the lightheadedness and dizziness.
It is the chills.
It is the hot flashes.
It is the numbness.
It is the tingling.
It is the increased sweating.
And worst of all, it is the difficulty breathing, the increased heart rate and the chest pains - It is the feeling that you are having a heart attack and may be dying.
You may not experience all of the above, but you will at least experience two or three when you have an attack.
As I mentioned before, you may feel like you are dying.
Why is this? Well, for one thing, you are more aware of the pattern of your breathing and the beating of your heart.
And, when people notice these things, especially with chest pains, they tend to think of a heart attack.
Panic attacks usually don't kill anyone.
They just make you feel like you are dying.
But, it is always important to see a doctor.
Why? So they can make sure that you are not having any heart problems, and so they can diagnose what you actually have and work with you on a treatment plan.
In turn, they will help you really improve your quality of life.