WHAT IS HYPERVENTILATION?
Hyperventilation refers to the act of breathing fast or increasing the respiratory rate. When we breathe normally, we take about 15 to 18 breaths per minute (one breath cycle includes one inhalation and one exhalation); however when we hyperventilate we take about 18 to 20 breaths per minute, and this rate can go up to […]
CAN PANIC ATTACKS CAUSE HEART PROBLEMS?
Panic attacks lead to cardiopulmonary changes, which are changes that involve the heart and the lungs. Those are increases heartbeats, hyperventilation, chest pain, or even the perception of having difficulty breathing. In addition, during a panic attack, there is also an increase in sympathetic tone, which is the branch of the autonomic system that contributes […]
CAN A PANIC ATTACK CAUSE CHEST PAIN?
Chest pain is common during anxiety or panic attacks. Typically, hyperventilation during panic attacks may lead to musculoskeletal chest pain, with strain or spasm of intercostal chest wall muscles. Though it can feel alarming, anxiety chest pain is fleeting. Pain typically lasts around 10 minutes, though other anxiety or panic attack symptoms (like dizziness, shortness of […]