The physical symptoms of an anxiety attack are immediately recognizable to anyone who has experienced this in the past. Among other symptoms, the person may experience difficulty breathing, sweating, chest pain, numbness in the extremities, and uncontrollable shaking. Any combination of these symptoms, or even experiencing other unusual symptoms, can accompany an anxiety attack.

Undergoing physical symptoms of an anxiety attack often feel like a heart attack or complete nervous breakdown. Often, those suffering from an attack call emergency services and are rushed to a hospital because they are convinced they are in the middle of a serious medical emergency. While not strictly necessary, there are advantages to having nurses and doctors available during the course of the attack. Frequent victims of anxiety need their own coping mechanisms to help them survive a scary attack.

A full anxiety attack is linked with the fight or flight reaction to some external experience. The fight or flight response is seen in most animals, including humans. In humans it is caused by the release of hormones, primarily adrenaline and cortisol. This survival response creates an energy rush, sensitivity to the immediate surrounds, and increased aggressiveness, which helps the individual to escape a dangerous situation or defend itself. In the case of anxiety attacks, the body bears the brunt of the rush of stress hormones without any immediate external cause responsible, hence the physical symptoms of an anxiety attack ensue.

A person with a history of panic attacks has an increased risk of having a stroke or heart attack at a future time. A person who has suffered only one panic attack, without being diagnosed with anxiety disorder, are less likely to have serious lasting effects such as heart damage. What is not clear is the degree of correlation between heart issues and the long-term effects of enduring frequent physical symptoms of an anxiety attack.

According to some doctors, there is an increased incidence of cardiovascular issues in people who take prescription medications for anxiety disorder. Regardless of how valid this correlation is, a panic attack indicates that there is a serious problem present, which must be addressed instead of just treating the physical symptoms of anxiety attacks.

Anxiety attacks can be difficult to deal with. Although any physical symptoms of an anxiety attack may be treated from a medical standpoint, people still need to address the underlying cause of the anxiety attack. There are various therapies available to help people discover and deal with the stress that is causing the attacks. One effective therapy that can help a person control their reactions to stress through sheer willpower is cognitive behavioral therapy.

Some individuals do deep breathing exercises or practice more complex methods of relaxation along with aromatherapy, acupuncture or massage treatment. Regardless of what others think, taking care of the physical symptoms of anxiety attack is not as easy as simply lightening up or thinking calming thoughts. Anxiety is a bona fide medical condition and has to be dealt with as such. With any luck and by remaining vigilant, anybody can overcome the devastating effects of anxiety.