Bill Burniece

Panic Attack And Sinus Arrest

Having similar symptoms, panic attack and sinus arrest are frequently confused.  In fact, the two ailments are incommensurable.

Having similar symptoms, panic attack and sinus arrest are frequently confused.  In fact, the two ailments are incommensurable.

Panic Attack Symptoms:

• Sudden Feelings Of Fear
• Hard To Breathe
• Feeling Out Of Control
• A Strong Urge To Flee Or Escape The Place Where The Panic Attack Began
• A Choking Sensation
• Having Trouble Swallowing
• Chest Pains Or Racing Heart
• A Sudden Fear Of Dying Or Going Crazy
• Shaking And Unsteadiness
• Sweating
• Dizziness Or Lightheaded
• Feeling The Need To Throw Up

Sinus Arrest Symptoms:

• Rapid Heart Beat
• Heart Arrhythmias (Irregular heartbeat)
• Slow Heart Beat
• Palpitations (An awareness of the beating of the heart)
• Chest Pains
• Anxiety
• Dizziness Or Lightheaded
• Confusion
• Fatigue
• Fainting
• Often There Are No Symptoms*

Despite these similarities, Panic Attack and Sinus Arrest symptoms may suggest entirely different conditions. 

Sinus Arrest is an abnormal heart rhythm which is a cause of Sick Sinus Condition or Sinus Node Dysfunction.  These sinus conditions are usually a sign that ones sinus node is malfunctioning.  The sinus node is the human heart’s ‘natural’ pacemaker.

Sick Sinus Syndrome is relatively uncommon, afflicting mostly adults over the age of 50.  However, children who have recently had heart surgery may also experience Sinus Arrest.

The best course of action if you are experiencing Sinus Arrest symptoms is to contact your doctor immediately for further evaluation.  If you are on medication do not stop taking any of your mediation unless instructed by your doctor.

In contrast to Sinus Arrest, Panic Attacks are very common.  According to the National Institutes Of Health (NIH) 2.4 million Americans suffer from Panic Attacks and Panic Disorder.

Panic Attacks are sudden, unexpected episodes of intense fear, anxiety, and discomfort generally lasting 10 minutes or less.  In some cases symptoms last 1-5 minutes and in rare, extreme cases an hour or more.

Panic Attacks can be caused by stress, heredity, or various biochemical factors.  The symptoms of panic attacks are triggered by a ‘false alarm’ of the body’s natural fight-or-flight mechanism.  The body reacts instinctively as if it were facing a life-threatening situation when in fact there is none.  Though harmless, panic attacks can be frightening and severely debilitating.

Panic Attack sufferers should seek advice from their doctor who can prescribe medications or cognitive behavior therapy.  Panic Medications can vary from powerful antidepressants to natural panic attack treatments.  Cognitive therapy usually involves sessions with a psychiatrist or psychologist.

Article Tags: Panic Attack, Sinus Arrest, Sinus Node, Panic Attacks

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