Your body’s “fight or flight” response kicks into high gear. It can seem to come from nowhere — maybe as you walk down the street or do the laundry. It can even wake you out of a sound sleep. There’s often no obvious reason for your combination of symptoms. That’s part of why it’s called an “attack.” It can be so sudden and intense that you feel helpless, unable to move or think clearly.
A jolt of adrenaline gets your heart racing or pounding — or both. Your chest might hurt. You could even have trouble breathing.
