SHORT ANSWER
Anxiety is a normal stress response; it becomes a problem when it lasts a long time, is disproportionate to the situation and interferes with life. A panic attack is frightening but not dangerous for the heart by itself: frequent attacks need specialist assessment, not "just stop being afraid".
Why is that?
How it works: anxiety is part of the fight-or-flight system. The body prepares for a threat: heartbeat quickens, breathing becomes faster, muscles tense. In real danger this saves life; with "internal" anxiety (the situation is not physically dangerous) the same response fires without external threat — and you feel it as panic.
Why a panic attack is not a heart attack: the symptoms (palpitations, shortness of breath, trembling, numbness) are caused by an adrenaline surge and usually pass within 10–30 minutes with no consequences for the heart. That is exactly why repeated attacks often increase fear: "something happened to me" → expecting the next attack → new attack. This cycle responds well to being broken with proper help.
When anxiety becomes a disorder: if it lasts weeks and months, covers many situations (work, transport, people), and leads to avoidance (you start bypassing places and situations) — that is a reason for assessment. Good news: anxiety disorders are treatable — cognitive-behavioural therapy and, when needed, medication give lasting effect in most people.
WHAT TO DO
- Record for 2–3 weeks: when anxiety starts, what intensifies it, what slightly reduces it (breathing, movement, conversation). This will be useful at the appointment.
- During an attack: slow exhale longer than inhale — this physiologically "calms" the system; remember that the attack will pass.
- If attacks repeat or anxiety interferes with life — see a specialist; do not wait until avoidance shrinks your life.