I believe everyone is familiar with "panic", and you or people around you may have experienced it.
Whether at work, in life, or after exercise, "heart palpitations" will suddenly strike and make people feel uneasy.“Panic, this feeling is as if the heart is beating abnormally violently in the chest, and you can even feel the strong vibration of each heartbeat. It not only makes people feel uncomfortable, but also causes anxiety and worry.
So,“PanicWhat is it? What causes us to appear“Panic?when“PanicWhen it strikes, how should we deal with it?
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“PanicAlso known asPalpitations, is a subjective experience of an abnormal heartbeat. You may feel your heart beating violently in your chest, and even be able to clearly count the rhythm of each heartbeat. Normally, the heartbeat is smooth and regular, but in some cases,The heartbeat may suddenly speed up, slow down, miss a beat, or become more intense, making people feel uncomfortable and nervous.
This feeling occurs because the afferent nerves of the heart transmit continuous heartbeat information to the brain, and specific areas in the brain, such as the right insula, cingulate cortex, somatosensory motor and somatosensory cortex, process it to form the perception of heartbeat by inhibiting or releasing norepinephrine.
From reference [1]: Proposed pathway for cardiac interoception/palpitations
but“PanicIt is not a specific disease, but the result of many factors. It can occur in healthy people and may also be a sign of certain underlying diseases.
What factors
Will it make you panic?
lead to“PanicThe reasons are complex.Physiological factors, as well as pathological factors。
1. 3 kinds of lifeDon’t worry too much about the “panic” caused by rational factors
Physiological factors causing panic, which is often related to our daily living habits and mood swings.For example, strenuous exerciseAfter that, the heart needs to speed upBlood circulationTo meet the needs of the body, the heartbeat will naturally speed up.Mood swingsIt is also an important factor. Whether it is tension, anxiety, excitement or fear, it will lead to increased adrenaline secretion and cause accelerated heartbeat.also,Consumption of stimulants such as caffeine, alcohol, or nicotine, which can also cause the heart rate to accelerate and“Panicfeeling.The above three types of physiological factors usually cause "panic" and you don't need to worry about it., we stop causing“PanicFactors that may affect your health, you will recover after a short rest.
2. Be alert to 5 kinds of pathological factors that cause "palpitations"!
In addition to the above situations, often“PanicThere may also be a variety of potential health issues involved, which can be divided into five categories:Arrhythmias, structural heart disease, psychosomatic disease, systemic disease, and the effects of medications.① Arrhythmia:Such as supraventricular/ventricular extrasystoles, supraventricular/ventricular tachycardia, bradycardia (severe sinus bradycardia, sinus arrest, second and third degree atrioventricular block), pacemaker and ICD function and/or programming abnormalities, which cause people to feel their heartbeats are too fast, too slow and irregular, causing“Panic。②Structural heart disease:Such as cardiomyopathy, valvular disease, heart failure, etc., due to problems with the structure of the heart itself, a faster or stronger heartbeat is needed to meet the body's blood supply, so“Panic。③Psychosomatic diseases:Conditions such as anxiety, depression, and panic attacks can also cause palpitations, possibly because these disorders alter the brain's production of alpha-2 adrenergic neurotransmitters.④Systemic diseases:There are many diseases that can cause palpitations, such as hyperthyroidism, which can directly regulate the heart, pheochromocytoma, anemia, hypotension, hypoglycemia, etc., which require the heart to increase blood supply.“Panic。⑤Drug effects:“PanicIt may also be a side effect of certain medications, such as vasodilators, anticholinergic drugs, and hydralazine, which can directly affect the nerves that control the heart.learn“PanicThe common causes of this disease can help us better prevent and deal with this situation in our daily lives. The following table can be used as a reference for self-control.Compiled from reference [2]
What should you do when you feel panic?
when“PanicWhen it strikes suddenly, the first thing to do is to stay calm and not panic too much.“PanicThere are many reasons.In most cases, it is not a serious health problem.We just need to take appropriate measures to deal with it.
1. When you feel“Panichour,Try to relax yourself first.Avoid or stop factors that may trigger panic.For example, strenuous exercise, alcohol, and coffee.
2.If "palpitations" occur frequently, it is recommended to record each attack.Including the onset time, duration, triggering factors and accompanying symptoms. These records can help doctors better understand your situation and make accurate diagnosis and treatment plans.
3. Generally speaking, occasional palpitations that only last for a few seconds each time do not need to be too worrying, butIf the patient has a history of heart disease, palpitations last for a long time, and the resting heart rate is higher than 100 beats/minute,Then you need to go to the hospital as soon as possible to undergo relevant heart examinations.
4. IfPalpitations accompanied by chest pain, chest tightness, pain in the arms, neck, upper back, severe breathing difficulties, dizziness, or cold sweats, please seek medical attention immediately.
“PanicAlthough common, it is not terrible. Through proper self-regulation, recording symptoms, seeking medical help and preventive measures, you can effectively deal with panic and maintain a healthy life. Remember, staying calm and optimistic is the first step to deal with panic.[2]Raviele A, Giada F, Bergfeldt L, et al. Management of patients with palpitations: a position paper from the European Heart Rhythm Association. Europace. 2011;13(7):920-934.
[3]Govender I, Nashed KK, Rangiah S, et al. Palpitations: Evaluation and management by primary care practitioners. S Afr Fam Pract (2004). 2022;64(1):e1-e8.
Author:Jiang Yongyuan, Master of Internal Medicine, Third Military Medical University
Audit丨Tang QinChief Researcher, Department of Science Popularization, Chinese Medical Association National Health Science Expert
Planning丨Zhong Yanping
Editor:Zhong Yanping
Proofread by Xu Lailinlin
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