The physical symptoms of an anxiety attack are not something that you are unlikely to forget once you experience them. Labored breathing, perspiration, chest pain, numbness of fingers and toes and uncontrolled shaking are among the symptoms that may occur. During an anxiety attack, a victim may experience one, several or even all of these symptoms.

A person who is in the midst of a panic attack may think that he is experiencing a serious medical emergency such as a heart attack, may end up calling an ambulance and/or go to the emergency room. Although this is not usually a necessity, sometimes it is helpful to have medical assistance to help alleviate the attack. But if you suffer frequent bouts of anxiety, you may need to find other methods to deal with any physical symptoms of an anxiety 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.

Doctors speculate that medications commonly prescribed for anxiety disorder can put the patient at risk of a cardiovascular event. No matter what, physical symptoms of anxiety attacks are an indication that something is not right, and the underlying problem needs to get taken care of.

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.