Anxiety activates the body's fight-or-flight system, which releases stress hormones like adrenaline. This produces very real physical sensations: a pounding or racing heartbeat, rapid or shallow breathing, sweating, shaking, a dry mouth, chest tightness, lightheadedness, tingling, nausea, an upset stomach, and tense or aching muscles. Some people also feel a lump in the throat or a need to use the toilet urgently.
These symptoms can be frightening, and during a panic attack they may peak quickly and feel like a heart attack. Although intensely uncomfortable, a panic attack itself is not dangerous and usually passes within minutes.
Because some of these symptoms overlap with heart, lung, or thyroid conditions, it is important not to assume everything is anxiety. See a doctor to rule out physical causes, especially if you have chest pain, fainting, or breathlessness for the first time. Seek urgent care or call your local emergency number if you have severe chest pain, pain spreading to the arm or jaw, or you cannot breathe.