Download FREE Practo app
Get ₹200 HealthCash
Sudden feel chest sinks and heart stops
My age is 24, (No addiction of alcohol and smoking) One day I was going to another city to give an exam, so I was walking and going to the train station. As I reached the station, suddenly I felt a shock in my chest and it felt as if my heart was stopping but there was no pain, my hands and legs gets started trembling, but after some time it became normal, then after a month I was sitting free and suddenly this thing happened, before this all I also having some other symptoms like sudden feel choking during eating food , breathing problem in deep breath but this will happen . I had ECG✅, 2D ECHO✅, ULTRASOUND ( APD?)✅, CHEST XRAY✅, CBC✅, LFT✅, RFT✅, THYROID✅, LIPID PROFILE✅, ELECTROLYTES TEST✅, ENDOSCOPY✅, HBSAG✅ , HIV✅, HEPATITIS (B and C) ✅all are normal, I consult with 2 CARDIOLOGIST (MBBS MD DM), ENT SURGEON ( MBBS MS) , 2 PULMONOLOGIST ( MBBS MD) , UROLOGIST ( MBBS MS) they says nothing to worry all are normal , then please reply what actually is this and why happening?
Answers (11)
Get your queries answered instantly with Care AI FREE
20000+ health queries resolved in last month
Consult psychotherapist
Answered
Flag this answer
Let others know if this answer was helpful
Was this answer helpful?
YES
NO
Didn't find the answer you are looking for?
Talk to experienced doctor online and get your health questions answered in just 5 minutes.
+185
Thank you for sharing all this so clearly. From what you’ve described—a sudden chest jolt, trembling in limbs, choking sensations while eating, and difficulty with deep breathing—alongside extensive normal medical reports and specialist consultations, it strongly suggests that what you’re experiencing may not be cardiac or physical in origin, but instead psychophysiological in nature. As a counseling psychologist with experience in mind-body interactions and stress-related disorders, this pattern points toward Panic Disorder or anxiety-related somatic symptoms.
Here’s how I understand what’s happening:
Your body is responding to a perceived threat—even if there isn’t a real physical danger—with a fight-or-flight reaction. This means your brain is releasing stress hormones like adrenaline, which cause:
• Rapid heartbeat or chest discomfort
• Trembling in limbs
• Tightness in the throat or choking sensations
• Shallow or labored breathing
These are classic signs of panic attacks or health anxiety, especially when all physical investigations are normal. It’s also common that once this experience happens once, the fear of it happening again can make it more likely to recur—this is called a “fear loop.”
Please understand: what you’re feeling is very real, even if it’s not due to a medical illness. You are not weak or “imagining things.” Many young adults face similar challenges—especially under high academic and social expectations. The good news is, with proper psychological support, this can be treated and fully managed.
Next Steps
Consult with me for a one on one
Answered
Flag this answer
Let others know if this answer was helpful
Was this answer helpful?
YES
NO
Hi,
Based on your detailed medical evaluations and the reassurance from multiple specialists, it appears that your symptoms are unlikely to be caused by any serious heart, lung, or other organ issues. The episodes you describedâsudden chest sensations, trembling, feelings of choking, and breathing difficultiesâare often associated with anxiety or panic attacks, especially when all physical tests come back normal. Anxiety can manifest physically, causing symptoms like rapid heartbeat, trembling, chest discomfort, and shortness of breath, even without any underlying medical problem. Given your age and the absence of abnormal findings, itâs important to consider psychological factors. I recommend consulting a mental health professional who can assess for anxiety or panic disorder and guide you on coping strategies, relaxation techniques, or therapy if needed. Managing stress and understanding that these symptoms are often related to anxiety can significantly improve your quality of life.
Next Steps
consult
Health Tips
seek help
Answered
Flag this answer
0/1 people found this helpful
Was this answer helpful?
YES
NO
Hi, Consult a psychologist
Answered
Flag this answer
Let others know if this answer was helpful
Was this answer helpful?
YES
NO
From what you've described â sudden physical symptoms (like a shock-like sensation in the chest, trembling, choking feeling, difficulty in deep breathing) without any medical cause found â this points strongly toward anxiety or panic-related episodes. Even though the symptoms feel very physical, they often originate from the nervous system's response to stress, fear, or internalized pressure.
This doesn't mean "it's all in your head" â your symptoms are very real, but they're likely rooted in psychological distress, even if it's not conscious.
Next Steps
Consult a Mental Health Professional â A clinical psychologist or psychiatrist can evaluate for: Panic attacks Anxiety disorders Health anxiety (hypochondria) Therapy Options â Especially Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), which is highly effective in managing physical symptoms of anxiety. Lifestyle Interventions â Consider: Sleep hygiene Limiting caffeine Daily light exercise or walks Breathing practices and mindfulness Track Patterns â Journal when the symptoms occur: time of day, mood, physical setting, what you were doing, any recent stress. This can help identify subconscious stressors or triggers.
Health Tips
Practice deep breathing: Inhale for 4 seconds, hold for 7, exhale for 8. This resets your nervous system. Remind yourself gently: "Iâve done the tests. My body is safe. This is my mind trying to protect me, even if it feels scary." Use grounding techniques when an episode starts â like touching something cold, or describing your surroundings out loud to yourself. If you're comfortable, Soul Savera has trained psychologists who specialize in helping people with anxiety, panic symptoms, and mind-body distress. They can support you in learning how to calm your system, regain control, and feel safe in your body again. You're not alone in this â and itâs mangeable.
Answered
Flag this answer
Let others know if this answer was helpful
Was this answer helpful?
YES
NO
Thank you for sharing in detail — it’s clear that you’ve taken your symptoms seriously and ruled out major physical causes, which is an important first step.
What you’ve described can often be signs of panic attacks or anxiety-related responses, especially when triggered by stress or high-pressure situations (like exams or travel in your case). These experiences can feel very real and intense, even when all medical tests come back normal. You may benefit from exploring this further with a counselling psychologist to understand any underlying anxiety and learn effective coping tools.
Next Steps
Connect 1-1 for a session
Health Tips
Practice Deep Breathing and Mindfulness
Answered
Flag this answer
Let others know if this answer was helpful
Was this answer helpful?
YES
NO
Thank you for sharing your experience. Based on what you described: sudden chest sensations, trembling, choking while eating, and difficulty breathing despite normal medical reports—these could be signs of anxiety or panic attacks. These episodes often occur during stress (like exams or travel) and can feel very physical, even though the body is medically healthy.
I’d recommend seeing a clinical psychologist for a proper assessment and support with stress and anxiety management.
It is very common for people with anxiety attacks to go a cardiologist. You're not alone in this. Im curious to know if any doctor has also recommended you to see a mental health professional?
Next Steps
Consult a Psychologist and follow the tips that i have mentioned below. Consistent therapy will help us to identify the cause of this symptom.
Health Tips
✅️Box Breathing – Inhale, hold, exhale, hold (4 seconds each).
✅️5-4-3-2-1 Grounding – Use your senses to stay present.
✅️Name It to Tame It – Say “This is anxiety, it will pass.”
✅️Muscle Tension Release – Clench and relax body parts slowly.
✅️Cold Water Splash – Triggers a calming reflex instantly.
Answered
Flag this answer
Let others know if this answer was helpful
Was this answer helpful?
YES
NO
Please get it diagnosed by a clinical psychologist. It may be a panic attack. It can be worked. If it is panic attack you can consult a therapist and work on it. Since all your medical assessment reports are normal you don't have to worry.
Next Steps
clinical psychologist to assess if you have panic attack
Health Tips
you can try grounding techniques when you get the attack next time. you can google for this. you can try 4 7 8 breathing exercises daily twice a day .
Answered
Flag this answer
Let others know if this answer was helpful
Was this answer helpful?
YES
NO
Dr. Aarushi Dewan (PhD)
Psychologist
11 yrs exp
Delhi
Greetings
The symptoms presented by you are typically the characteristics of an anxiety attack.
As all your tests reports have come negative, you shall immediately consult a RCI licensed clinical psychologist to learn anxiety management techniques and to develop an insight into your own thoughts and emotions leading to the anxiety.
Health Tips
Don’t be afraid of anxiety , it is treatable. Don’t get anxious about having anxiety. Consult a licensed mental health professional to learn how to deal with anxiety effectively.
Answered
Flag this answer
Let others know if this answer was helpful
Was this answer helpful?
YES
NO
Dr. Rupali Mohbe (PhD)
Psychologist
26 yrs exp
Ahmedabad
Hi, I appreciate that you reached out with your concern.
As you have described, it could be that you are suffering from anxiety. For that I suggest you to consult clinical psychologist and also consider psychodynamic test to find out if there is any personality issue which may be contributing to this. Consider techniques like cognitive-behavioral therapy. Tailored strategies to your specific needs with professional psychologist will help you.
In the meantime, consider incorporating calming practices such as deep breathing exercises, mindfulness, and progressive muscle relaxation into your daily routine. These techniques can help regulate your body’s stress response. Also, aim to maintain a nutritious diet, engage in light physical activity as tolerated, and prioritize restorative sleep.
Next Steps
For therapy and Psychometric testing, you can book an appointment with Rupali Mohbe/BIRDY ME at Practo
Health Tips
Daily do Progressive muscle relaxation techniques to calm yourself.
Answered
Flag this answer
Let others know if this answer was helpful
Was this answer helpful?
YES
NO
Ms. Smriti
Counselling Psychologist
18 yrs exp
Bangalore
These symptoms can be distressing and are commonly associated with anxiety.
Next Steps
connect
Health Tips
consult
Answered
Flag this answer
3/3 people found this helpful
Was this answer helpful?
YES
NO
Articles you may like
Disclaimer : The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding your medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.
The question asked on this page is a free question. You can ask a free health question by downloading the Practo app.
Articles you may like
Tell us what's troubling you
Tell us what's troubling you
Disclaimer : The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding your medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.