I think the heart palpitations are very common to all of us who suffer from anxiety. I know I have had them for several years with my anxiety and during a heavy panic attack it feels like your heart is going to burst it beats so hard and so fast - pulse goes way, way up. Just go with it - realize it is just anxiety and try not to let it scare you. Breathe deeply and slowly and concentrate on something other than your panic. The attacks don't always last too long. My T has taught me how to bring myself back pretty quickly when I catch it starting in time. Doesn't always work but when it does it feels like a miracle cure. I take Xanax to help control mine and when I don't take it I can guarantee I will have an attack. My T (and even the people at work) can tell if I am even an hour late in taking the pill - I get speedy and hyper and shaky. That part is physical. The actual panic attacks are triggered by any number of things from being around a lot of people to driving anywhere out of the ordinary (within 4 miles of home is about as far as I can go without high anxiety). So, remember to breathe and try to relax into it. Don't fight the panic - that can make it worse sometimes. Good luck!