If you’ve ever undergone one, you are certainly aware of the physical symptoms of anxiety attack. The signs consist of difficult, labored breathing, sweating, an aching in the chest, lack of feeling in the arms and legs and uncontrollable trembling. You can experience all or some of these warning signs along with many other signs that are not at all commonplace.

A person who is in the midst of a panic attack may think that he or she is experiencing a serious medical emergency such as a heart attack, may end up calling an ambulance and/or go to the emergency room. It is highly recommended that anyone who experiences such symptoms consult with their medical doctor as soon as possible to rule out a medical emergency.  Although ongoing consultation with your MD may not be necessary, sometimes it is helpful to have medical assistance to help alleviate the attack. But if you suffer frequent bouts of anxiety, you may need to find other methods to deal with any physical symptoms of an anxiety attack.

According to some researchers, the survival instinct that is present in all animals, which include humans, can help explain a full anxiety attack. This survival response creates an adrenaline rush, sensitivity to the immediate surrounds, and increased aggressiveness, which helps ensure survival of the species. When this response is set off without an immediate cause, physical symptoms of an anxiety attack ensue.

Recent research suggests that recurring panic attacks are related to an increased incidence of future stroke or heart attack. Those who experience a single instance of the physical symptoms of an anxiety attack without a prior record of anxiety disorder are not necessarily prone to cardiovascular issues or any long-term issues. But further study is needed to determine if repeated panic attacks actually cause heart problems or are only related to them in some way.

Doctors speculate that medications commonly prescribed for anxiety disorder can put the patient at risk of a cardiovascular event. No matter what, physical symptoms of anxiety attacks are an indication that something is not right, and the underlying problem needs to be identified and addressed.

Treating people who experience anxiety attacks is not always a simple matter. The physical symptoms of an anxiety attack are treatable with medication, but treating the cause of the anxiety attacks is more complex. Since the trigger for anxiety attacks often lies within a person’s subconscious, various forms of therapy are available to attempt to pinpoint and address root of the problem. One method that has proven to be effective is cognitive behavioral therapy, which utilizes a person’s willpower to help them deal more effectively with trigger situations.

Deep breathing, advanced relaxation techniques, aromatherapy, acupuncture, or massage therapy can help people address the physical symptoms of an anxiety attack. Regardless of what others may tell you, it is not easy to relieve an anxiety attack by simply talking yourself out of it. Anxiety should be treated as the medical condition that it is. With proper treatment, people can alleviate the effects of anxiety.

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