You have a sudden burning sensation, a minor injury, a weird symptom…but who can rush to the doc with every ache? Here’s how to tell when you need an MD’s attention…

Your heart starts to race suddenly and unexpectedly.

The sensation strikes out of the blue, and it’s not accompanied by any other symptom. So you attribute it to your coffee addiction and vow to cut back on caffeine.

A more likely cause: a panic attack. They are very common in young women and can make you hyperventilate. Panic attacks can be treated with antidepressants and /or antianxiety meds as well as relaxation techniques and cognitive therapy, says Sharonne N. Hayes, MD, director of the Women’s Heart Clinic at Mayo Clinic, in Rochester, Minnesota.

Cosmopolitan by Kimberly Goad, 09/01/09

Tags: Cardiology, cardiovascular