jrebecc, I completely empathize with you. My main and most severe symptom of my PD is chest pain/heart palpitaions/shortness of breath. And it scares me each and everytime, no matter how hard I try to control my thoughts. I also experience pain in my left arm/neck as well as the tingling in the hands and feelings of 'being out of touch' with reality. I also have been checked thoroughly by a cardiologist (among many other docs) for heart problems and was eventually dx'd with PD. I know in my mind that LOGICALLY there is nothing wrong with me but I still can't seem to get over the fact of the VERY REAL symptoms that plague me. I have read that what happens during a panic attack physically is basically a crazy cycle of signals from the brain to the body cause this to happen. We feel it, we focus on it, and so it continues - so on and so on. I have also noticed that although my pa's seem to come out of the blue and for no obvious reason they always seem to occur when I am by myself (driving is bad for me) and am not intently focused on something. I assume this allows my overactive mind to focus on what my body is feeling. I am overly sensitive to everything going on in me physically - a common trait among PD sufferers. My PD also flares up during times of change making it very hard for me to adjust. But I also believe that I am blessed as well. I am a stronger person for it and am better able to help others and have compassion for people that struggle with this. So I continue the battle! I just wanted to let you know that you are by no means alone! I wish you well - keep on fighting and be grateful for the chance to strengthen yourself. If you ever want to talk I am usually in chat at the end of the week (Thurs - Sun). God bless... Idie