system
What causes palpitations while suffering from panic attacks?
human
I have lone afib with an implantable loop monitor put in a year ago (only 3 episodes of afib under a minute each) but last night had a very fast heart rate that woke me from a sound sleep. I am prone to panic attacks and I know that complicated it. I took a Xanax, headed to the ER and by the time I got there, it was normal. Is this something normal with panic attacks? Could be be from indigestion? I had two hot dogs for dinner :) I should add I had my first afib attack 13 years ago and have had only 3 or 4 since then under an hour each.
gpt
Hello and Welcome to ‘Ask A Doctor’ service. I have reviewed your query and here is my advice. Fast heart beat or palpitations are common during panic attacks and you should take it as a part of it. In fact panic attack is your body's defense mechanism towards an impending danger which your body is perceiving. Body produces adrenaline to prepare the body to be ready for perceived impending danger. Adrenaline makes the body ready for further preparations to "fight or flight syndrome". Therefore, palpitations are part of panic attacks. Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.