I had a panic attack at the doctor's office earlier this month...it was higher than normal for me but still in the normal range. It was good to know because that was a really bad panic attack.

This happened to me when I was pregnant, and I'm not sure what my blood pressure was. It was high, but they had me lay down and relax and kept checking it, and it went down.
If it's a panic attack, it won't go to a dangerous stroke range. If it's a panic attack it will go higher. You will be fine even though it feels like your going to die.

I always feel my blood pumping like crazy but just to remind you....There is no record of ANYONE ever dying from a panic attack and if peoples blood pressures went that high, people would die from them. So, you're alright :)

The 3 that landed me in the ER--each BP was extremely high when checked, but even if you feel like you are freaking out at a continuous level, I"m pretty sure your body levels out a bit. I'm also pretty sure that strokes don't happen from your BP being high for a few minutes. My grandpa had a stroke recently--it was literally about the least severe stroke you can have--and his BP was 201/135. He hadn't been to the doctor but once in about 50 yrs, so he had been functioning at that high BP forever.

Even though we panic, our bodies are still reacting in a way to save itself from danger--so try to think of it as even though your heart may be racing, your body will control everything correctly to keep your BP from rising too high for too long.

Hope that helps--sorry, it's kind of rambling, it's late :-)

thanks, this makes me feel better. I always get freaked out thinking Im going to stroke out. I have got to get this anxity under control.

Hello bmason, I was diagnoised with panic disorder when I was in my teens and have been medication free and doing well until the onset of menopause. Everyday is a struggle but I try to stay positive and continue to make relaxation excersises, breathing techniques etc. part of my daily life. I was on my way to the doctors for my annual physical last Wednesday and you guessed it full blown panic attack while I was checking in. They took me in right away and I explained to the nurse what was happening. She asked if I needed a minute to relax or could she do the usual height, weight, pulse and blood pressure. I told her to go ahead because the distraction helps. Height and weight stayed the same, LOL and pulse and blood pressure were also the same as usual 127/72 and pulse of 72. I was suprised it wasn't sky high and she said that panic attacks don't usualy raise your blood pressure. She also said that as uncomfortable as the heart pounding is it's like a good cardio work out. I discussed this with the doctor when he came in and he agreeded with the nurse. I know how frightening it is and I worry to but the best thing to do is try to relax and breath away the attack.
Take care of yourself and try to stay positive. I'm here if you ever want to chat
Maryann

yes I have and it was normal. Hard to believe isn't it!

I don't think people here are considering the fact that some people are already at risk for stroke and other heart conditions.

For people who have high blood pressure or have heart disease, a panic attack can make things worse and even kill you. Stress can raise your blood pressure, period. And, physical exertion of the heart (during exercise or whenever) can cause a heart attack if you're already at risk.

I watched a medical program (Dr. G medical examiner) on television where a guy who had high blood pressure and heart disease had an argument with his family while on vacation in Florida. He walked out of the restaurant to go back to the hotel, alone. On the way he collapsed on the side walk and died, due to stress, an existing heart condition, and exercise / heat.

But, yes, if you are in otherwise good condition and not already at risk for a heart attack, arrhytmia, or stroke, then having a panic attack will not kill you.

my bp always gets really hi when i am having a panic attack big hugs to you take care

my bp always gets really hi when i am having a panic attack big hugs to you take care