- Panic attacks can cause chest pain and discomfort.
- They can make the heartbeat fast and strong.
- People can feel short of breath and tight.
- Sweating and shaking are common during attacks.
- Dizziness or nausea may also happen suddenly.
- Panic attacks usually start and peak within minutes.
- Heart attacks also cause chest pain and breathlessness.
- Heart attack pain can spread to jaw or arm.
- If symptoms last or get worse, seek help.
Difficult words
- panic attack — A sudden strong fear with physical symptomsPanic attacks
- chest pain — Pain in the front of the upper body
- short of breath — Not able to breathe easily or deeply
- dizziness — A feeling that you may fall or spin
- nausea — A sick feeling in the stomach
- heart attack — A serious medical event with chest painHeart attacks
- seek — To try to get help or information
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- Do you ever feel dizzy or nauseous?
- What would you do if you felt chest pain?
- Would you ask for help if your symptoms got worse?
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