Anxiety Attack: Duration, Symptoms, and When to See a Cardiologist
Anxiety attacks, often referred to as panic attacks, can feel overwhelming — and sometimes, they mimic serious heart conditions. If you’ve ever experienced a racing heartbeat, chest discomfort, dizziness, or difficulty breathing during a stressful situation, you might have wondered: “Is this my heart… or is it anxiety?” You’re not alone.
So, how long can an anxiety attack last?
Anxiety attacks typically last between 5 to 30 minutes, but symptoms may linger for several hours depending on the individual and situation. While the most intense symptoms peak quickly, feelings of unease, fatigue, or emotional stress can persist long after the episode ends.
Common Symptoms During an Anxiety Attack
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Rapid heartbeat or pounding heart (palpitations)
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Tightness or pain in the chest
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Sweating or chills
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Shaking or trembling
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Shortness of breath
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Dizziness or lightheadedness
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Feeling detached or out of control
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Intense fear or sense of doom
While these symptoms are common during anxiety episodes, they can also resemble warning signs of heart disease or even a heart attack.
When Anxiety Feels Like a Heart Problem: Time to See a Cardiologist
At Advanced Cardiology, we often evaluate patients who come in after experiencing what they believe to be a panic attack, only to discover underlying cardiac concerns such as:
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Arrhythmias
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Hypertension
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Heart valve issues
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Coronary artery disease
If you’re frequently experiencing heart palpitations, chest discomfort, or shortness of breath — even if you believe it’s related to stress — it’s essential to rule out any cardiovascular cause. Early detection can be life-saving.
How Our Cardiologist in Houston Can Help
Board-certified in Interventional Cardiology, Advanced Heart Failure, and Cardiovascular Disease, Dr. Adnan Khalid and the team at Advanced Cardiology in Sugar Land and Katy provide personalized care tailored to your symptoms and concerns.
We offer:
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In-depth evaluations
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Cardiac stress tests
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Holter monitoring for palpitations
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Echocardiography
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Personalized treatment for heart rhythm disorders and more
Don’t Let Anxiety Mask a Heart Condition
While anxiety is a genuine and treatable mental health issue, chest pain or heart palpitations should never be ignored. If you’re experiencing recurring symptoms — whether due to anxiety, stress, or suspected heart problems — schedule a consultation with a cardiologist in Houston today.
