I was reading this morning that it is impossible to faint from a panic attack due to an increased heart rate while experiencing an attack. I dissagree with this view as I have fainted 4 different occasions while experiencing a panic attack. Last fainting attack was during my first growth spurt after not experiencing an attack in 9 months. Any ideas why I faint from a panic attack. I tend to attribute it to my resting heart rate of 43 and a little below normal blood pressure. I excercise frequently at a high intensity rate which causes my heart rate to be low. Since I fainted 2.5 weeks ago I am full of anxiety and cannot seem to break from them. I am working on being more possitive again as I began to fall into the negative trap for the past 3 months.
Any idea why I faint even though I always hear it is impossible to do from a panic attack?

I would suggest that it may be the below normal blood pressure.

I have had feelings of "passing out" but it never happened to me.

Perhaps someone from the MWC would have some helpful information regarding this subject.

I don't know why this happened either. In any case, I woldn't be embarrassed about it happening. Fainting can happen to anyone. In most cases, it's not even related to anxiety. If you faint, no one will think that you're not not normal. More than likely they'll be concerned about you and wonder why it happened.
I know someone who fainted due to not eating breakfast. Now I'm not a biology expert so I couldn't give you an scientific reason for this, but she seemed to know almost right away that that's what made her feel faint.
Perhaps you could ask your doctor why it happens so you can take some preventative measures. But this normally isn't connected to anxiety and no, you're not weird for fainting a few times, in case that's what you're concerned about.

lily

Paul,
I'm not sure why either because I have gotten myself SO worked up about something (like the other day) that I get lightheaded and I get the sparklies in my vision. I know then that I need to lie down and get blood to my head. I asked a question similar to this in the General section of the forum. For me, I have done this before and it's been when I started thinking lots...esp w/ blood...and then I'm there with the blood and eeek! I had anxiety again the other day at work AFTER I had my lightheadedness and the sparklies (I call them sparklies...when the black dots start invading your vision...which I am assuming is not enough blood getting to the brain...part of low blood pressure and standing up for awhile? I'm not sure though...I'm not a doctor.). I made it through my anxiety though...I talked to myself and told myself that if I had to leave, then I could. I also am worried about fainting (esp because in a few weeks, I am getting my wisdom teeth pulled out and I hate needles and blood adn the IV scares the beegees out of me!) but I know that if I do, it's not that big of a deal (I haven't fainted completely yet, just got the sparklies.). I have had more anxiety since worrying about fainting, but if I see the sparklies, then I know to lie down. Plus, Angel gave some great advice...you can't faint if you are busy gabbing...she said talking and thinking about breathing (err something) helps you NOT to think about fainting and not getting yourself worked up. I am SO nervous about getting my teeth pulled, but I am going to start my relaxation tape and giving myself good positive statements about doing it. Anyway...I know what you are going through...if you need anything, let me know!
Take care,
Cindy

I have a differetn take on this. A friend of mine has a little girl around 18 months. When she would get really upset she went into a like trance or siezure the mom thought. So she took her to the doc and in the office when the doc went to check her out she got really upset (stranger approaching) and did it there in the office. He knew exactlly what it was. I wish I had the name for it but I will try to explain it. In most peoples system when we get overly excited we get the rapid pulse, heavy breathing, fight or fright, etc. There are certain people that when they do this their system just shuts down in order to bring things back to the normal range. He told the mom that the girls in high school that faint are like that too. Their system is just hardwired differetnly. I take it to mean that if we can learn breathing techniques and ways to calm ourselves then we shouldnt have to worry too much about that. In other words its normal for some people and there is nothing wrong with them. THey wont die from it or anything like that. Their body just responds in a differetn way. If I talk to my friend soon I will ask her the technical term or name of the nerve involved and will post it.
Reena
ps. fear will only intesify this as your body releases all those stress hormones and puts you into panic mode. Work the program over and over agian. It really does help.

Perhaps you would find it beneficial to practice yoga or tai chi. These arts focus a lot on breathing and awareness.

good stories yall, i have been deal with fainting fealing all the time. also i get very dizzy and my balance gets real bad. the doctor says he cannot figure this out . does this sound like stress. my headaches are very bad which all happen everyday. does anyone have these problems please help me. thanks your friend