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Can Panic Attacks Cause Increased Heart Rate?

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Posted on Sat, 24 May 2014
Question: I have been going much anxiety in the last few weeks. Yesterday i had a panic attach were my heart raced 147+ it seemed to be going faster than 147 but that's what was measured at the ER. This happened two time where my pulsed raced that high and both were after coffee. The ER doctor said that panic attacks cant produce a heart rate higher than 140 but my friend who is a psychiatrist disagrees.



The ER doc said could be SVT friend sais panic.



Can a panic attack produce that heart rate been having panic attacks with lower heart rate for a week.

doctor
Answered by Dr. Sukhvinder Singh (33 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
please see below.

Detailed Answer:
Respected Sir
Panic attacks can produce variable heart rates during different episodes. A panic attack can cause heart rate more than 140 beats per minute.
The best way to rule out PSVT is to get an ECG at the time of attack. That will clarify all doubts about the rhythm disorder.
Sincerely
Sukhvinder
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Sukhvinder Singh (43 minutes later)
Can a panic attack cause 180+?

I did an EKG panic was still 110 and everything looks good.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Sukhvinder Singh (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
Please see below.

Detailed Answer:
Respected Sir
Yes. Panic attack may cause the heart rate in a given individual to be as high as 180 beats per minute.
The reason for increase in heart rate during panic is release of certain hormones in body (adrenaline and nor adrenaline) which in turn act of heart to increase its pumping and rate. The increase in rate will depend upon the amount of these hormones , rapidity of release and sensitivity of your heart. Hence it may be variable at different times.
A rate of 110 still means more than usual or normal. More important is, if ECG shows "sinus tachycardia" only, then a rate of ~180 bpm can also be explained on basis of panic attack.
Sincerely
Sukhvinder
Note: For further queries related to coronary artery disease and prevention, click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad
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Answered by
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Dr. Sukhvinder Singh

Cardiologist

Practicing since :1998

Answered : 1306 Questions

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Can Panic Attacks Cause Increased Heart Rate?

Brief Answer: please see below. Detailed Answer: Respected Sir Panic attacks can produce variable heart rates during different episodes. A panic attack can cause heart rate more than 140 beats per minute. The best way to rule out PSVT is to get an ECG at the time of attack. That will clarify all doubts about the rhythm disorder. Sincerely Sukhvinder