When a person suddenly experiences heart palpitations, increased sweating, trembling or shaking and shortness of breath the conclusion many come to is that they are having a heart attack. Most often it is only a panic attack. But what are the causes of panic attacks?
A panic attack is defined as a spontaneous onset of differing symptoms that overwhelm and put the sufferer into a flight or fight emotional state. First there is the beginning symptom of fear that often has no trigger. The fear then translates into a rush of adrenaline which stimulates the fight or flight response. What the body then does is prepares for major physical activity thus resulting in a higher heart rate, rapid breathing and sweating.
Carbon dioxide levels plummet when the body realizes there is no physical exertion which causes many different other symptoms to materialize. Dizziness and lightheaded are both caused by lack of carbon dioxide and when the person starts to feel as though they cannot catch their breath the natural inclination is to take deeper, gulping breathes which result again in a decrease in carbon dioxide. It is a self perpetuating cycle that is difficult to escape from. Panic attacks can last for thirty minutes or just fifteen seconds depending on the person.
The frustrating part for many is the lack of a reason for experiencing the attacks. Often sufferers will say they have no idea why it happens to them. Even if the reasons are not readily apparent there are triggers and causes to every panic attack.
Panic attacks can be hereditary. The gene that determines how people react in certain situations is passed from person to person. This is not an absolute however and there are many cases where people who suffering from the disorder have no family history of it. There is however some recorded cases of panic attacks resulting from an overly cautious view of the world, passed down from parents.
Different biological causes have been known to result in panic attacks. Obsessive compulsive disorder, post traumatic stress disorder, Wilson's disease and a Vitamin B deficiency are all known causes. Differing phobia's can lead to attacks; most notably Agoraphobia. This is an anxiety disorder where the person afflicted experiences extreme fear of an embarrassing situation that they cannot escape from.
Sometimes there are short term causes like the loss of a loved one or an extreme life transition. Even drugs such as nicotine or caffeine can produce a panic attack. The important thing to remember when the first symptoms present themselves is that it will pass. Stop and calm yourself as much as you can and weather the storm. More long lasting treatments are available.
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