Panic Disorder by Ray Sahelian, M.D.

Panic disorder is fairly common, and can cause frightening symptoms that resemble those of heart, respiratory and gastrointestinal problems. Some people find kava or the supplement 5-HTP to be helpful.
   But even though Panic Disorder can be difficult to diagnose, panic disorder is very treatable and most patients can be cured within just four to eight weeks. Between 3% and 8% of patients visiting their primary-care physicians have panic disorder. Most people suffering from the condition have had major stress-inducing factors in their lives within the year before their diagnosis, and people whose close relatives have had the disorder are at much higher risk.
 

Panic Disorder Symptoms
Panic disorder can cause symptoms such as chest and abdominal pain, a pounding heart or irregular heartbeat, and shortness of breath. These alarming symptoms can often lead patients to be screened for serious physical ailments, like heart attack.

Panic Disorder Diagnosis

Patients with panic disorder typically go through many medical tests before their physicians accurately diagnose them. Panic disorder is definitely diagnosable, and treatable -- people can usually be cured in four to eight weeks with either antidepressant medication or behavioral therapy, or a combination of the two. Some doctors who practice alternative medicine may recommend 5-HTP or kava.

Panic attack and heart attack
Older women who have experienced a panic attack are at increased risk of having an myocardial infarction or stroke and have an increased mortality risk.